4 EASY STEPS TO ESTABLISHING A NEW LAWN

The best time to establish a new lawn is late summer or early spring. The hot dry summer months should be avoided if at all possible.

1. TILL AND FERTILIZE THE SOIL
Till soil to a depth of 4 – 6 inches.
Broadcast lime and lawn starter fertilizer, following recommended rates and mix into soil.
Rake level and smooth, removing rocks, sticks and old sod clumps.
Roll the area with a heavy roller in two directions to settle the soil.
Rake again to level and loosen the surface.

2. SOW SEED
Evenly broadcast seed at rate recommended for your mixture (typically 3-10# per 1000 sq. ft.).
Use _ the rate and seed twice at right angles to ensure uniform coverage.
Rake or drag lightly, to incorporate the seed into the top _ inch of soil.
Firmly pack or roll the seedbed.

3. APPLY MULCH
Evenly spread a clean, weed-free hay or straw mulch (or comparable product), at a rate of 50# per 1000 square feet. Mulch is important to retain surface moisture, prevent soil from washing, and protect seedlings from sun and wind.

4. WATER
Thoroughly water soil using a fine spray sprinkler, assuring seed and soil is not washed away. Keep seedbed moist to a depth of 1 inch during the germination period (14 – 21 days). As seedlings sprout and become established, gradually reduce water, but don’t allow soil to dry out until grass is well established (45 – 60 days).
After 60 days the lawn can be treated as an established lawn requiring 1 inch of water per week while actively growing.

Mow the new lawn when it reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Adjust your mower so it will cut at a height of 2 to 3 inches. Continue this procedure after the lawn is established. This will assure that only 1/3 of the growth will be removed with each cutting and allow enough remaining grass for a healthy lawn.

Fertilize and water at regular intervals for a healthy lawn. Also use weed prevention products as required.



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