Care for Your New Seed

A lawn is much like any other living thing. When properly nourished and cared for, it thrives! As your lawn matures, you should make sure it is properly fertilized and that weed and insect controls are applied when needed. Other practices like aeration, over-seeding, and possible fungicide applications may be necessary as ongoing maintenance.

Watering instructions:

Proper watering is essential for your new seed.

• Water immediately after seeding.

• Moisten soil to a depth of two to three inches. WATCH FOR EROSION and WASHING AWAY OF SEED! 

• Water lightly (two to three times per day) until germination (ten to fourteen days).

• After germination, water longer (deeper) two to three times per week until established.

• As a lawn matures, water less often for longer periods as needed.

• Water early in the morning or late afternoon.

• Water slowly to allow saturation.

• Droopy grass does not always need more water; it may need less. Check the soil to confirm.

Mowing:

Mowing is not necessary until the grass is about three inches high. Be careful while mowing. Go slow and turn gently. It is best to mow high and mow often. A general rule is to never cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one time. DO NOT mow if the grass is wet!  Keep a sharp blade; young seedlings can be torn from the ground with a dull blade.

Helpful hints for mowing new seeds:

• Keep a sharp mower blade.

• Mow high and mow often.

• Leave clippings as often as possible.

• Alternate mowing patterns.

Weeds:

Sporadic outbreaks of weeds are unavoidable but can be seen more depending on the site conditions and weather. Lawn weeds will be easily controlled with a regimented lawn care program. Weeds in planting beds can be pulled or sprayed with appropriate herbicides. Spraying is often more effective because it kills the entire plant, including roots. Care must be taken not to spray good plants. Always read and follow the label directions. Certain pre-emergent herbicides are useful but not always recommended for all plants.

Helpful hints for weeding new seeds:

• Weeds can crop up anytime and anywhere.

• Even landscape beds using weed barriers and stone mulch will on occasion experience weed outbreaks.

• Weeds do not penetrate professional-grade weed barriers; however, windblown soil and debris on top of weed barriers will often be environmentally friendly enough to harbor weeds.

Fertilizer:

When ½” of new growth appears, fertilizer should be applied (use a starter fertilizer of 18-24-12 or similar). Establish and follow a proper fertilization program for subsequent fertilizations for the remainder of the season. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides on newly seeded lawns. Weeds will appear after seeding. Control weeds with appropriate herbicides after seed has germinated and established (30 days).

Other helpful hints for new seeds:

• Do not walk on newly seeded or sodded lawns.

• Keep pets away.

• Aerate at least once every two years.

• Use crabgrass control in the spring, the year after seeding.

• It takes two growing seasons for seed to become a fully netted lawn.

• Seed is not guaranteed. You will likely need to overseed small areas because of the many natural factors.

• If mulch was used, DO NOT remove it, as it will biodegrade!

• If wind or water moves and clumps up the mulch, you may need to respread it over the bare areas.