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NEW LAWNS

·    SELECTING GRASS SEED

·    STARTING A NEW LAWN

 

 

 

 

 

Selecting Grass Seed

 

Selecting a grass seed is far from just a hit-or-miss proposition.  Using the incorrect seed can cause a range of problems.  Turf that’s thin and weak, excessively worn, weed-infested, or just not growing are some examples of the consequences of choosing the incorrect seed.

 

Ask yourself these questions about the area to be seeded.

 

How much sun?

Is it mostly in the hot, dry sun?

About half in the sun and half in the shade?

Mostly in the shade?

All in the shade, and nothing seems to grow?

 

What type of use will it get?

Is it going to be a showplace of beauty or a playground for the kids and their friends?

Something to just look good and keep weeds and dust away?

Your dog’s territory?

 

Do you like spending a lot of time tending the lawn or do you like spending as little time as possible?

 

All of the above factors must be weighed when choosing a seed.  You see,

our nursery carries specific grass seeds for specific conditions.  For example,

Sun & Shade will do well in areas that receive both sun and shade, Dense Shade for shady areas, High Traffic for play areas and a low maintenance lawn, Kentucky Bluegrass for a picture-perfect lawn.

 

So take time and examine the various types of seeds available.  Making the

right choice before planting will produce a lawn that will look its best and

suit your every need.

 

Small area need fixing? Check out a Lawn Repair product.  It’s seed, fertilizer

and mulch all in one.  Perfect for repairing small, worn-out areas of lawn.

If your dog has caused the damage by doing what he’s trained to do, try

Magic Start or Encap Dog Repair.  They are specially formulated to repair

grass damage caused by dog urine. 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting a New Lawn

 

The most important step in establishing a new lawn is preparation. Whether you

plan on seeding or sodding, establishing a good foundation definitely pays off.

A soil test is an excellent idea.  This will help you determine the pH of your

soil so you’ll know what to add to it.  Our nursery experts can recommend the

proper treatment. 

 

All existing weeds and other vegetation must be cleared away.  An easy way

to do it is with a Kleen Up product such as Roundup, non-selective vegetation killers.  They will destroy anything they contact, so care must be exercised in their use.  After applying mow the dead lawn area very close and bag up the clippings.

 

Rototill a 2-inch layer of organic material such as peat moss or cow manure

into the soil, loosening the soil to a depth of six to eight inches. Level the

soil with a rake, and be sure to remove any stones, boards or other debris.

This is especially true when preparing a lawn at a newly- constructed home.

 

Finally, rake a Seed Starter product into the soil.  Seed should be sown with a drop-type or hand-held spreader. Lightly rake the seed into the top quarter-inch of soil. Cover the seeded area with a thin layer of straw.

 

Some grasses germinate faster than others. For example, a Perennial Rye grass might germinate in 5-14 days, while a Kentucky Bluegrass can take up to 28 days. Keep the area moist at all times, for two reasons.  New seedlings require plenty of moisture, and moist straw will be less likely to blow away. As the roots become established, gradually decrease the frequency of watering. The new grass can be mowed when it reaches a height of approximately three inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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