Seeding is the most popular way of establishing turfgrass.  Seed is relatively inexpensive compared to sod and fairly easily to do.  Grass seed can be found at almost any home improvement store or garden center.  Here are a few things to consider when choosing the seeding method.

• Timing- Fall is generally recommended as the best time of the year to establish a lawn for a number of reasons.  With that being said, you don’t want to have bare spots in your lawn all summer long.  Sod can be a good choice or you will need to be ready to handle a little bit of weed presence and be able to keep your new grass happy during the summer months

• Don’t mismatch-You want to match the seed to the desired turf that you have already existing in your yard.  Identifying turfgrass can be difficult to the untrained eye.  Ask your lawn care professional if you are uncertain as to what kind of grass you are growing.

• The fresher the better-  Grass seed has a shelf life.  Any reputable dealer will have a seed label with their product.  The label will have a “date tested” printed on it.  You want grass seed that was tested within the last year if possible.

• Water water water-  Grass seedlings are gentle plants.  The soil around the seedlings needs to stay moist in order to help your little grass plants develop the root system.  Make sure to water lightly 2-3 times a day during the establishment.

• Loosen the soil-  Providing a good growing environment is important.  If possible, loosen the soil before seeding to provide air space for the roots to grow.  Use some high quality top soil or compost if possible

• Contact-  Seeds need to have good seed to soil contact.  This improves establishment by keeping the seeds from drying out, protection from birds, and provides a growing environment for the root systems.  Lightly tamp or roll these areas to get good contact.

• Feed the babies-  Your little seedlings will need food too.  A soil test might help you to determine the amount and kind of fertilizer to use.  Generally starter fertilizers are higher in phosphorus because phosphorus is chemically bound to the soil.  The fertilizer provides the phosphorus to the immature root systems. 

• Caution- If your lawn care program has pre emergent herbicides included they will hinder the grass seed just like they do the crabgrass seedlings.  If your lawn has already been or will soon be treated, sodding might be your best choice.

Weed Pro - Professional Lawn Care in Cleveland & Columbus, Ohio

The professionals at Weed Pro can help your lawn look it's best this spring! We staff only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with seeding advice, or pricing to handle it for you!

 Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.