lawn care

Grass Seed Instructions

For both new lawns and overseeding

Watering

In order to create a beautiful lawn you must keep it watered. Although the straw applied over the new seeds will reduce evaporation and help keep in moisture, it is very important to make sure the seeds are kept constantly moist until the grass blades are a few inches tall. We recommend checking your lawn every other day to ensure moist soil. In summer heat, the grass seed needs to be watered DAILY; once a grass seed is moist, it must stay moist or else the seed will die.

Once the grass is started, we now want to promote deep root growth. In order to accomplish this, less frequent, but deeper, watering is required. Frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions; typically look to water every two to six days. Rotate a sprinkler around every area of your yard, leaving the sprinkler on each area typically 30-45 minutes. We are trying to saturate the soil 10-14” deep to stimulate the roots to grow to the deeper levels. Always allow the soil surface to dry between waterings (excess moisture on the leaves and soil surface for extended periods can cause diseases). We recommend using a fan type sprinkler.

Weed Control:

If broadleaf weeds (dandelions, chickweed, etc) begin to grow, herbicides can be used ONLY after the new grass has been mowed 3-4 times AND the lawn is at least 3” tall. Applying herbicides too soon will damage the new seedlings. Annual grasses such as crabgrass and foxtails are treated early the following spring (a couple weeks before weed germination begins).

Special Notes:

We do recommend over-seeding the following fall or spring to ensure a full lawn and to fill in any spots that did not develop properly. Although rain is a perfect compliment after a lawn has been newly planted, very heavy rainfall can wash seed away, and strong winds can blow away straw. There is an extra charge for us to come back out to reseed wash out areas or re-straw.

Sod Care Instructions

Watering:

Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent, deeper waterings should begin.

Weather conditions will dictate the amount the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

Maintenance:

During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with soil and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.

Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Keep your mower blade sharp. You will need to mow more often during prime growing seasons. (Spring & Fall on cool-season grasses; Summer on warm-season grasses)