Planting / Overseeding

Establishing New Lawn

1. Test soil for pH and nutrient content. See Testing the Soil.

2. Till or loosen the soil. Rake and remove debris such as grass clumps and small stones, leveling out any uneven areas in order to ensure proper seed to soil contact.

3. Apply a starter fertilizer at recommended rate.

4. Spread GRASS seed evenly over the area without skips or misses. A more uniform application can be made with broadcast (rotary) type spreaders by spreading half the required amount over the area and then applying the remaining half at right angles. Avoid planting during extremely hot or windy periods.



5. Lightly rake or roll the soil surface to ensure good seed-soil contact. This contact is critical for proper germination and establishment.

6. Water newly seeded areas frequently (several times per day) with a mist or light spray to insure uniform emergence. It is extremely critical that young seedlings not be allowed to dry out. The soil surface needs to be constantly moist until the seedlings are approximately 1" in height. About that time, watering should become deeper and less frequent. One inch of water every 2-3 days is optimum until grass has been cut three times. At that time, 1" of water per week is ideal.

Overseeding

1. Test soil for pH and nutrient content. See Testing the Soil.

2. Mow the lawn very closely and rake vigorously to remove debris. If excess thatch is present, it must be removed.

3. Loosen soil in bare spots or thin areas.

4. Follow steps 3-6 above under Establishing New Lawn.