How to Care for New Grass

Treat Your Newly-Sprouted Grass With Care

Even the most luscious lawns start somewhere. If you find joy in your yard, you know the pride you feel when your lawn is thicker and greener than the other ones on the block. When you are tending to your newly seeded and growing lawn, knowing how to care for new grass will help ensure those seedlings have the chance to thrive.

When Should You Seed?

While you may have missed the opportunity to seed last fall, there is still time for you to set your lawn up for a green spring and summer. Springtime provides moisture and warm air, which are beneficial to grass growth. The summer’s hot temperatures and possible drought conditions may introduce stress to your new lawn. That’s why you should seed as soon as the threat of frost is gone, giving your yard time to establish.

Grass Seed Growth Timeline

Growing conditions and the type of grass you choose greatly impacts the growing timeline and when you’ll see your results. Here’s a general timeline for you to follow:
Day 1 : PLANT YOUR SEEDS…
Day 10 -14 : Rye grass germination
Day 30-45 : Tall Fescue germination
Day 20-30 : Blue grass germination

Keep Off!

Keep non-essential foot traffic to an absolute minimum during the initial establishment period. Any traffic on the lawn risks root damage. Explain to kids that the new area is not suitable for play for a while. And walk your pets on a leash to an appropriate location away from the new grass to do their business.

Water Well

Unlike a typical watering schedule, new grass needs more frequent watering. The first few days after seeding, mist your grass four times a day when the sun is out. The goal is to keep the top ¼ inch of the seedbed moist without oversaturating. Once the grass grows to be about 2 inches, you can resume your normal watering schedule of longer, less frequent waterings.

Weed Control & Nourishment

The biggest problem you’ll face is weeds, which are more prevalent in the spring, causing grass to have to compete for the nutrients it needs to thrive. Weed management should be completed a few weeks before seeding the lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide. Soil, sun and water provide some nutrients but once your lawn has sprouted, a slow-release fertilizer can supplement what your lawn needs to be lush and green.

Mow the Right Way

The best thing you can do for your new grass is to give it rest. That’s why it’s smartest to wait around a week to allow the seeds to settle. Young grass plants store energy in the blades and cutting too much off will turn the new lawn yellow. Be gentle with your mower and do not make sudden or sharp turns. Try not to cut more than 1/3 of the grass blades and do not cut shorter than 3 inches. Stop watering a day before you mow because the grass will respond better when dry.

Get Your Dream Lawn with GREENSKEEPER

A lot goes into making your lawn as green as luscious as you’d like it to be. Click to contact GREENSKEEPER if you’d like help figuring out how long you should give your new lawn to prosper after seeding. We know how to care for new grass and the lawn you’ve been tending to for years. We offer aeration and seeding services in addition to our lawn care service programs that will give your yard the kick-start it needs to have a successful growing season. For a more beautiful lawn this season, contact us today or call 215-938-8440 to schedule a no-obligation consultation!