Whether you are over seeding an existing lawn or seeding a new lawn; four elements must be working together in order to establish newly planted turf grass seed.

1. Seed to Soil Contact - The key to success

When planting a new lawn, the soil should be prepared to a depth of three to four inches. This can be achieved by rototilling to a depth of three to four inches to remove any large pieces of dirt and to reduce any clodding. If the soil is already prepared, a thorough raking to level and remove any rocks will be sufficient. The grass seed can be spread with the same equipment used to spread fertilizer, or by hand for small areas. Regardless of the method, the seed should be divided into two lots. Spread the second lot at right angles to the first. To ensure good seed to soil contact, the areas should be lightly raked. Raking too hard will redistribute the seed and also plant it too deep. The average depth should be between 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Once this has been completed the area should be rolled.

2. Adequate Soil Mosture

"Mother Nature" will hopefully aid you in keeping the new seed moist if you're seeding in the spring or fall. However you should be prepared to help. Improper watering is probably the biggest factor that causes new lawns to fail. For seeds to properly germinate evenly, the top layer of the soil must not be allowed to dry out. After planting thoroughly, saturate the lawn to almost puddling. After this point, light and frequent sprinklings will be needed. The surface must not be allowed to dry out until the lawn is well established. If it is extremely warm or windy, more frequent waterings will be needed. Once the lawn is long enough to mow, reduce your watering to once a week.

3. Adequate Soil Temperature

Most cool season grasses germinate when the SOIL TEMPERATURES reach about 50 degrees. When seeding in the spring, any seeding done prior to soil temperatures of 50 degrees will lay dormant until they reach this point. Generally for fall seed, seed no later than September 30 to ensure fall germination, or not before November 15 for a dormant seeding. The dormant seeding will lay idle until soil temperatures are consistent with germination needs. Dormant seeding is a good way of ensuring that your seeding will be germinating at the first available time frame that following spring.

4. Soil Nutrients: Start with a Soil Test

The grass seed itself has enough "food" or nutrients to germinate and send out a root. However, the reason the seed has sent out a root is in search of food, so it is important to maintain an adequate supply of nutrients at all times. It is nearly always helpful to use a STARTER FERTILIZER. A starter fertilizer is high in phosphorus which will stimulate aggressive root growth and establishment.

After your new lawn has been mowed three to four times, your maintenance schedule will now begin with a half rate of a standard fertilizer mix high in nitrogen. Once this has been completed, begin a regular scheduled fertility program consistent with your cultural practices. Please remember your hard work and investment will be appreciated time and time again as your family and friends enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful lawn.

* New Lawn Establishment (Bare Ground) * Overseeding existing Lawn


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