New Lawn Installation
Spring and early fall are the preferred times to plant a new lawn in the Pacific Northwest. When temperatures are mild, lawns can be seeded as early as March 1st or as late as October 30th. The warmer the soil, the faster the seed will germinate.
A lawn planted with Pro-Time Lawn Seed after April 15th will begin to germinate and establish very quickly. Follow these Ten Easy Steps for professional results:
One. Prepare clay soils with a rototiller. First, remove stones and debris. Add lime to the soil at the rate of 50 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Spread Turface Soil Amendment over the entire area. Rototill to a depth of 2"- 4".
Two. Rake to remove large clods and gross irregularities in the grade.
Three. Settle the area with a water roller or a sprinkler (heavy application of water). Rake to form a surface level and true to grade. The finished seedbed should be firm, not fluffy.
Four. Rake or scarify to form a loose seedbed that is 1/4" to 1/2" deep.
Five. Broadcast a good starter fertilizer. Your garden center professional can recommend a good one that contains slow-release nutrients. This will get your lawn off to a strong start and speed up establishment.
Six. Spread the seed at a rate of 7-10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. with a hand-held whirlybird type spreader or a drop spreader. For large areas, use a walk behind broadcast spreader to save time.
Seven. Completely cover the seed to a depth of no greater the 1/4" with grass straw mulch, applied through a Pro-Time Mulch Roller.
Eight. Roll the entire surface with a water roller to press soil and mulch around the seed.
Nine. Keep the entire area moist until established.
Ten. Use a reel type mower for the first mowing when the grass blades reach 1& 1/2" in height. If using a rotary mower, wait until the lawn is 2"- 3" tall before the first mowing. Mowing will encourage the blades to branch out and will help to complete the establishment process. Apply a lawn fertilizer when the new lawn is one month old to reach optimum establishment and density.
