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Planting a new lawn from seed can be more rewarding than using a sod. While the establishment of the yard can be done all the year, there are some things to know while Seeding in Spring season which is listed below.

Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Spring :

It’s important to understand that the times between March-May are best times to plant grass seed because of soil temperature range between 50-60°F, the ideal temperature for grass seed germination.

Picking the Right Grass Seed for Your Lawn :

When planting new grass seed in your lawn, it’s important to see that the grass is suitable for the area. Your local Lawn care expert can be helpful in selecting the type of grass ideal for your area and your lawn.

Preparing Soil for the Grass Seed :

Soil plays an important role in the growth of grass. Take necessary steps to maintain the fertility of the land.

Steps to Prepare the Soil

• Check for the right pH in the soil. Seeds germinate best in the neutral pH.
• Clear any debris or garbages present in the soil
• Rake up the soil to remove big lumps
• The night before seeding, water the soil so that its damp and not saturated.
• Apply starter fertilizers to help the grass grow quickly.

Seeding the Grass on Lawn

Types of Seeding

There are different techniques to apply seed for a lawn. They include spot seeding, overseeding or reseeding, and total lawn renovation or installation.

Spot Seeding: In this technique, only the spots that have less grass are taken into consideration. The patches formed are repaired by sowing seeds in the patch.

Overseeding or Reseeding: In this seed is applied to already fully grown lawn. In this process, seeding is done to increase the thickness of the grass.

Lawn Renovation or Installation: Refers to extreme cases when the lawn is experiencing excessive thatch or the grass is too thin. The removal of an old garden is a big process and involves more time and money.

Steps to Apply New Grass Seed on Bare Soil

• Control the existing weeds and vegetation present in the lawn
• Grading is to be done on the lawn, and good drainage system is to be maintained.
• Break up large clumps of sand in the lawn and add compost if necessary
• Rake up the soil to have uniformity in the surface
• Apply starter fertilizers containing the primary nutrients needed for the grass.
• Always follow the guidelines given on the seed bags.
• Water immediately after seeding which helps to stimulate the germination process in the seeds. Watering is to be done at least once in a day and see that there is no water standing on the lawn.
• After the grass gets up to a height of 3½ inches in height, then mow at the height of Three inches. Mowing the grass at regular intervals results in a healthy and green lawn.
• After about 4 to 6 weeks, fertilize the lawn with fertilizer, prominently nitrogen.
• After about eight weeks after seeding the turf is green and healthier. Mowing, Watering, and Fertilizing is to be done at regular intervals.

Precautions to be taken while Seeding in Spring

Use of Pre-emergent fertilizer :

If you have used a pre-emergent fertilizer to control weeds and other grass seeds or plants from germinating, then the new grass seeds will also have problems in growing. So be careful in using the fertilizers. If fertilizer is applied already then be sure to scratch the surface of the ground exposing the dirt which will disturb the pre-emergent barrier and allow your grass seed to germinate. If you are hiring Lawn care professional, then keep them informed that you are planning to seed your lawn in the spring, so that the pre-emergent fertilizer is not used by the lawn care professional.

Use of Weed Control Products :

Spring is the best time for the weeds to grow, they grow faster than the grass in the lawn. Planning to use herbicides? But hold on at least 60 days from the day the seeds are planted. Always make sure that the grass is mature enough for weed control products.

Droughting Summer Months :

During the summer drought months, make sure the grass gets enough water. Established lawns will be able to bounce back in the fall, but the areas seeded in spring may not develop deep roots. So consider watering to these areas during the periods of lack of rainfall.

Conclusion

Seeding in Spring should be done with care as it will impact your lawn in the next coming season’s. The proper maintenance in Spring helps the lawn to grow green and lusty. Follow the above necessary steps to achieve your dream lawn. For any assistance regarding seeding or if you want your yard to be taken care by experts contact our Lawn Care Professionals at Green Gold Landscaping or call us at 914-882-5459.