Care instructions for your new lawn.

Watering

For best results watering should be done every day in the morning for the first 4 weeks after seed has been installed. From week 5 through week 8, watering can be done every third day. After week 8 the new seed can be maintained like the existing established grass. Try to keep the seed bed moist and prevent it from drying out. Hot or windy conditions may increase the need for water while cooler and calm conditions may decrease the need. 

You do not have to water if you choose not to. You can let nature take its course. In this situation some seed may dry out, seed may die, and there is a likely chance of a reduced germination percentage.

Remember, all grass, new and old needs 1”-1.5” of water per week to meet the moisture needs of the plant.

Fertilization

NO fertilizer is needed at this time. We apply a slow release granular starter fertilizer at the time of seeding to encourage seed germination. After 6-8 weeks a follow up fertilizer treatment should be applied. This will help with grass establishment and root production.

Weed Control

If possible, do not apply herbicides of any type for at least 6 weeks after seeding has been done. Weed patches that may appear can be pulled by hand or in some cases can be spot sprayed. Avoid spraying new grass as much as possible with weed killers.

Mowing

You are ok to mow the lawn if there is existing grass to be cut. Avoid mowing over bare areas until the grass has started to grow and fill those areas in. 

What to expect

In most cases we install a 70% Kentucky Bluegrass, 30% Perennial Ryegrass mix of seed. It is blue tag certified seed which means it has been tested and is guaranteed true to type. Most seed we install has been tested and has a 90% germination rate.

You generally will not see any new grass plants for at least a week after installation. The Ryegrass takes 7-10 days to germinate. Kentucky Bluegrass can take up to 2-3 weeks to germinate. New grass plants are very fine and thin textured to start but will grow larger and thicken up and blend in with the existing lawn with time.

In some instances the slice seeder may pull some grass debris and clippings to the surface. There is seed mixed in with this debris. After the first couple waterings the seed should make its way to the soil. The clippings are best mowed up and left on the yard. After a week or two they should decompose and will add a beneficial mulch and organic layer around the seed bed.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact us anytime at 515-382-8830.