Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What to expect when you get a new lawn?

Usually, newly seeded grass requires irrigating every day while the seed is germinating and for the first few weeks of growth. After about 2-3 weeks of growth, you can usually shift to watering every other day, and then every 3 days later on.

How do you prepare land for a new lawn?

Soil should be light and airy so the narrow grassroots are able to penetrate it. To improve the consistency, remove any dead plant material then use a garden rake to break apart dense clumps and dig up stones. Avoid standing, walking or pushing a wheelbarrow over the area. This can pack the soil down.

When can I walk on my new lawn?

Avoid walking on new turf (except when watering) for at least four weeks after laying it. If laid during cooler months of the year, wait at least six weeks before walking on it. Once the roots have taken, therefore, when it is difficult to lift the edge of turf from the ground, then you can walk on it.

How do you rough up dirt to plant grass?

Break Up the Soil

If using a shovel or garden fork, turn over all the soil to a depth of 3 to 6 inches. Then use a hoe to break up large clods. Spread or broadcast soil amendments and use the rake and hoe to work them into the soil. Whichever method you choose, smooth and level the planting area with a hard rake.

How do you go from dirt to grass?

1. Time It Right. Make sure you wait for the right time of year to plant new grass seed.
2. Choose the Correct Grass Seed. Choose a grass that is right for your lifestyle, budget, and location.
3. Test Your Soil (Optional)
4. Prepare Your Soil.
5. Even Out the Surface.
6. Seed and Feed on the Same Day.
7. Cover Up.
8. Keep on Watering.

Can grass grow on fill dirt?

Grass needs basic soil to grow. I've grown nice lawns in fill dirt. I would highly suggest a soil test to a reputable lab first as most fill dirt has some deficiencies. Post your soil test, get the needed fertilizers and start the seeding process.

How do you prepare dirt for grass seed?

Prepare the Soil for Planting Grass Seed

1. First, target the problem areas and prepare the soil.
2. Remove all debris and any wood, stones or large roots.
3. Use a spade and garden rake to scratch the soil 1 to 2 inches at the surface, then dig about 6 inches deep to remove roots and rocks.

How do I smooth the ground for my lawn?

How to Level Your Lawn

1. Step 1: Mow. Start out by mowing your lawn at a short height, but not short enough to scalp it.
2. Step 2: Dethatch.
3. Step 3: Broadcast Soil Mix.
4. Step 4: Evenly Spread Topsoil Mix.
5. Step 5: Water Your Grass and Topsoil.

How do you fix soil that won't grow grass?

Spread some compost or manure over the entire area. You can do this by hand or using a spreader. Add some grass seed and mix well. Then cover the area with a thin layer of mulch.

How to lay sod new construction

What causes stunted grass growth?	Poor soil is often the problem in growing a great lawn, and calcium is vital to many grass plant functions. When soil is compacted or too acidic, air, water, and nutrients are unable to reach the roots, making it very difficult for grass to flourish.
Why is my grass not coming up?	Your Grass Needs Light to Grow Grass seed won't germinate and grow if it's buried too deep or if it's sitting unprotected on the surface. Whilst seed needs sunlight to germinate, it also needs the air, heat and moisture provided by the soil.
Why is my grass seed not growing after 2 weeks?	The main reason grass seed doesn't germinate quickly during the spring months is cool and wet weather. Grass seed that is planted in soil temperatures below 50°F often will not grow. For the soil temperatures to reach 50°F you need 7-10 days of air temperatures to reach over 60°F.
Why is my grounded grass not growing back?	It will continue to regrow unless the player builds within its proximity or chops its stem, in which it will stop growing. They can be grown in a Garden Patch using Grass Seeds.
What are the disadvantages of sod houses?	Wet roofs took days to dry out, and the enormous weight of the wet earth caused many roofs to collapse. Even in the very best weather, sod houses were plagued with problems. When the sod roof became extremely dry, dirt and grass fell like rain inside the house.
What is sod in construction?	Sod is a mat of grass with an established root system used to provide immediate vegetation for erosion control. CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE USE. Sod is an effective way to achieve immediate erosion protection in areas of sheet flow and low concentrated flows with velocities less than 5 feet/second.
Which is better Zoysia or Bermuda grass?	If your lawn is used frequently, Bermuda grass may be the better choice due to its durability. Finally, consider your maintenance needs. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, Zoysia grass may be the best choice for you.
What should sod look like when you buy it?	Good, quality sod will contain minerals, roots and more, giving it a less smooth, more bulky consistency. This consistency means that the sod has the things it needs to produce healthy grass. Sod that is mostly soil, however, is not going to do you any favors and needs to be replaced.
How long do sod houses last?	Settler families tended to live in their sod houses six or seven years. If the exterior was covered over with whitewash or stucco, the houses could last much longer. But sod construction had it's limits. Look at the photograph at left.

• When should you mow new grass for the first time?

  • The best time to mow new grass is 8 weeks after seeding or 2 to 3 weeks after laying sod. The number of weeks fluctuates based on your location's climate, how much water your grass gets, and how much sunlight it receives. You should wait until your grass is at the optimal height before mowing.

• When should I cut my newly laid lawn?

  • When to Mow Your New Lawn For the First Time. Your new lawn will probably need its first cut about 3 weeks after the turf has been laid.

• How tall should newly planted grass be before you mow it?

  • How to Mow New Grass. Once your new grass is 4 inches tall, it is time to mow. We recommend mowing with a push mower at its highest mowing height. A push mower is lighter weight which will help avoid creating divots in the soft turf while the highest blade height will help avoid damaging the new grass blades.

• Does cutting new grass stimulate growth?

  • When you prevent the grass from growing vertically (skywards), it converts that energy into growing horizontally (along the ground). The end result is thicker grass. This is why mowing new grass frequently helps it to grow from patchy little tufts to even coverage in a shorter space of time.

• What should I put on my lawn in October?

  • Feed your lawn.

    With summer dormancy behind them, cool-season grasses benefit from fertilizing about six weeks before your first expected frost. A high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4, helps lawns establish vigorous roots, increase energy reserves and survive winter.

• What happens if you plant grass too late in the fall?

  • In late fall the ground is cold enough to keep the seeds from germinating until spring. If they germinate this late in the season the seedlings will be too young to survive the winter conditions.

• Can grass seed be planted in October?

  • When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.

• How can I help my grass grow in the fall?
  • 5 must-do's for growing grass in the fall, according to a golf course superintendent
    1. Soften the soil. Seeds don't do well on hard and rocky soil, so clear away sticks, stones and other debris, and do your best to soften up the ground.
    2. Go deep.
    3. Water, water, water (just not too much)
    4. Limit foot (and paw!)
    5. Lay some hay.
• Is October too late to overseed?

  • When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.