These instructions are broad guidelines – they greatly depend on site conditions, weather & time of the season.
These are instructions for newly seeded lawns.
WATERING:
It’s best to keep the top inch of the newly seeded soil moist as often as possible. This will require frequent watering for short periods of time. As the lawn becomes more established the watering process will shift from short, frequent watering to less frequent, longer watering (run times). Eventually the lawn will be watered once every other day for a long period of time (20-40 min. depending on conditions).
Depending on the time of the season:
Irrigate the new lawn 2 – 4 times daily for 5-20 minutes per area.
Allow the soil to become firm but not completely dried prior to watering again.
Watch seeded areas closely to see if watering times need adjustments.
FERTILIZATION:
A solid fertilization program will be necessary to establish the new lawn.
All the seed will not grow at the same rate. It’s necessary to let the lawn grow 6 – 8 weeks before determining if reseeding areas is needed.
Lawn Grow-In Program
2-3 Weeks After Seeding - Fertilize with Starter Fertilizer - look closely for areas that could need watering adjustments.
2-3 Weeks Later - Fertilize with Starter Fertilizer - look closely for areas that could need watering adjustments.
2-3 Weeks Later - Fertilize with Turf Builder and Spot Treat for Weeds - look closely for areas that could need watering adjustments.
3-4 Weeks Later - Pick up where you are in the season on the established program & follow it.
MOWING:
The first mowing is typically 4-6 weeks after seeding. Some areas will need it more than other & there could be spots that won’t look great. It’s important to mow the lawn as usual – weekly even if it doesn’t look great. Do not let grass clippings clump over seeded areas. Mowing is a cultural tactic to reduce weeds & increase density of lawn seed.
Remember when seeding in the spring the seed will not fully establish before the hottest part of the season so the lawn may be just ok for the summer, not great. The lawn will recover & become fully in the fall months.
Established Lawn Program - 8 Application Program
Mid April – Fertilize and treat with pre-emergent crabgrass weed control
Mid May – Fertilize and treat with pre-emergent crabgrass weed control
Early–Mid June - Fertilize (turf builder), spot broadleaf weed control and insect control.
Early July - Fertilize (turf builder), spot broadleaf weed control and insect control.
Mid August - Fertilize (turf builder), spot broadleaf weed control and insect control.
Mid September- Fertilize and spot treat for weeds.
Late October- Fertilize with Winter Fertilizer and Lime
Late November- Fertilize with Winter Fertilizer and Lime