How to Care for Your Newly Seeded Lawn
Lawn Care Tips for a Lush, Green, Uniform Lawn
Petty Farms has laid the foundation for an exceptional yard and we want you to have all the tools to ensure the best outcome for the newly planted grass.
We have prepared the soil and evenly spread the seed and fertilizer. Our technicians then applied straw to aid in the germination process, keep the grass seed moist and warm and to keep the seed from blowing away.
But now what?
You may be wondering what to do next, now that the grass planting is complete. We have created this how to guide to help ensure a successful lawn and answer any questions you may have.
Precautions need to be taken to prevent damage of the newly planted area. This can be obtained by minimizing foot traffic on or around the newly seeded area for at least three weeks.
Watering Newly Planted Grass
This step is the most important step to ensure the newly planted grass will grow and be successful!
Insufficient watering or overwatering are the leading causes of failure to a new lawn. The seeds need constant moisture to trigger the germination process and begin taking root. This allows the seed to grow into healthy, established grass and not die leaving you with bare ground.
The newly seeded lawn surface needs to remain consistently moist, but not saturated. To achieve this, we suggest misting the area with water from a hose or sprinkler to a depth of 2 inches.
You should water the newly seeded area first thing in the morning and then repeat as needed mid-day. If the weather is hot or dry you may need to water more frequently to ensure the soil remains moist.
The soil should remain a dark brown color. If it starts to lighten, then you should mist the area again.
If the seed has sprouted and then dries out, it will die, therefore maintaining the moist soil is very important during the early phase of germination. Typically, this process of daily watering lasts during the germination period and the first few weeks of growth. If you have kept the area watered, you should see sprouting within the first couple of weeks.
Remember: New grass seedlings have a short root system that requires them to have very frequent watering.
After the initial 2-3 weeks of the initial growth period, usually you can shift your watering to every other day. By this time the grass seedlings should have reached a height of about 2 inches.
When to Mow the New Grass
Petty Farms suggests waiting to mow the new grass until it has reached mowing height (normally between 3 to 4 inches). Use a sharp mower blade and make sure the grass is dry. Do not cut your lawn too short. We recommend taking about an inch off the top for the first 2-4 mows. Doing this will help stimulate the new grass to spread and fill out the new area.
Cut back on watering before you mow (at least 48 hours), so that the area is dry and you do not leave marks or ruts in the newly planted area.
Feeding Your New Grass
The technicians at Petty Farms applied the initial fertilizer when the grass was planted. To help your new grass grow thick and green we recommend adding a standard lawn food six to eight weeks after the area was initially seeded.
You can continue to do this every six to eight weeks as desired to help the grass crowd out the weeds and withstand the weather changes and normal wear and tear.
Weed Control Recommendations
Weeds can happen in newly planted grass. This is due to weed seeds laying dormant in soil just waiting to sprout.
Weed control is completely optional and depends on your lawn care preferences. If you desire a weed free yard, then you will need to apply a weed control agent of your choosing. Make sure to read the products specific label instructions for a guide.
What is important to consider when using a weed control product is to not apply it to the newly seeded area too soon. Petty Farms recommends waiting until the area has been mowed at least three times to avoid killing the new grass. You can also spot treat the broadleaf weeds in your lawn at that time.
Important Seasonal Considerations
Six to nine weeks is the general time frame we expect it to take for your new grass to grow. However, the time of year and climate can slow the growth.
If your lawn is planted in late summer you should wait a little longer than normal to rake your fall leaves. You need to have mowed the newly planted area at least once and use a plastic rake instead of a metal one. This will protect your grass from damage.
Leaves can keep grass from receiving nutrients, water, and healthy air flow. Therefore, removing leaves is beneficial for the survival of the new grass.
Consistency is Important For New Grass
To ensure the success of the new grass after it is planted, consistency is key. Try your best to water the new area as described earlier, mow it weekly and rake it in the fall to have a healthy and full bed of grass.