METHODS OF SEEDING:
► Slit Seeding (Very Effective!!)—
— This is typically done by a Landscaper who will rent a machine.
— Request that they seed in one direction and then another pass crossing over the previous pass.
► Top Dressing & Over Seeding (Very Effective!!)—
— Install ¼” – ½” of pulverized topsoil or fine ground Compost over the entire area to be seeded.
— Spread seed evenly with a hand-held spreader. (Battery-operated is best. Home Depot sells one called “The Wiz”).
— Drag a leaf rake across the soil to set seed into soil.
— Cover the entire area with a thin layer of Peat Moss, which will help maintain moisture.
► Double Core Aeration w/ Top Dressing & Over Seeding (Average)—
— A Landscaper will core the lawn 2 times, making sure to cross over on 2nd pass.
— Then a thin layer of 50% topsoil / 50% peat moss is “top dressed” across the entire lawn (about ½” thick).
— Seed is then spread over the top of the soil mix.
► Core Aeration & Over Seeding (Least Effective)—
— Same as above, without the top dressing.
— This method only has a 25% germination rate!
► Spot Seeding (For Small Areas)—
— Install 50% top soil / 50% peat moss, fine ground Compost mix OR Scotts Lawn Soil from Home Depot about ¼” to ½” thick.
— Spread seed and be careful not to “clump” a bunch of seed in one spot; it must be evenly spread out.
— Cover the seed with a thin layer of Peat Moss, which will help maintain moisture.
TYPE OF SEED TO PURCHASE:
► We Recommend—
— Jonathan Green Brand. (This can be purchased at Amazon or Ace Hardware.)
— This seed is drought and disease-resistant.
► Buy the Right Seed Type for Yard Conditions—
— Sunny Areas / Shaded Areas / Sunny-Shade Areas / High-Traffic Areas.
► Spread Seed at: 4 lbs. per 1,000 square foot area.
► WARNING:
— NEVER use a sunny/shade seed mix in areas that are predominantly sunny or shady.
— If you use the wrong seed for the conditions of light in your lawn, it will never flourish. Why? …
— In mostly sunny areas, the shade-tolerant seeds will struggle and die off.
— Conversely, in mostly shady areas, the sun-loving seeds will fail to thrive.
— The only time to use a sunny/shade mix is in equally sunny and shady conditions.
— Having Trouble with Shaded Areas?: Click here.
WHEN TO SEED:
► Best Time to Seed—
— September 1st to Sept. 20th.
► 2nd Best Time to Seed—
— Near Mother’s Day.
— Don’t seed before Mother’s Day, as we may still get a frost which will kill it. And…
— The ground needs to be consistently 65° of above.
► NOTE: If You Choose to Seed in May
— We cannot apply the crabgrass pre-emergent or the spring weed control. (It harms it.) Therefore, you will get both.
WATERING SCHEDULE:
⚠️IMPORTANT – FOR SUCCESSFUL GERMINATION YOU MUST WATER 3-WEEKS STRAIGHT—
► If Seeds & Dirt Dry – Seeds Will Not Germinate & Die!
► Day 1-21: Each Zone— 4 X’s Daily (6a – 10a – 2p – 6p) / 10 Mins.
► Day 22-30: Each Zone— 15 Mins. Daily (anytime between 5a-9a).
► If You Don’t Have an Underground Sprinkler System—
— It is best to set up an above-ground system with timers. This allows you to set it and forget it.
— Our pointers & favorite product list make it easy! Click here.
► NOTE: If You Choose to Seed in May…
— After the initial germination period (typically 3 weeks) …
— You must water 3 times per week in each area for 15-20 min!!
— This schedule must be maintained all the way to Sept. 20th.
— If you don’t, due to the summer’s hot and dry conditions, the baby grass will die!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
► Let Us Know If & When & Where You Will Be Seeding—
— Adjustments to your applications need to be made, as some products hinder germination.
► NOTE: With new grass, you will also get new weeds.
— We cannot spray these weeds until the grass is mature enough and mowed twice. (Approx. 6-weeks.)