Spring is here, and people are eager to get outside and spend time in the warmth and sunshine.

Whether you’re starting your lawn from scratch or just need to thicken it up and repair some spots, seeding is a relatively straightforward process that, with attention and care, will give you great results. To get started, follow these steps for both starting a lawn from scratch and repairing a damaged lawn, and make sure to visit the professionals at WeedPro for all of your supplies, services, or questions.

Steps for successful lawn seeding

For a new lawn, you’ll need to dig up, or till, the top 3 inches of the surface of your lawn. Rake to remove clumps and rocks, and then level the surface. If you’re repairing or thickening up your lawn, aerating should be done to ensure oxygen is getting deep down to the roots to promote healthy growth.

Next, you should check the pH level of your soil. Grass will grow best in a neutral setting, but soil tends to become acidic. A simple test will let you know if treatment will be necessary to get your soil to the correct acidity. Once you know this, you’re ready to add topsoil and compost to your soil. This provides nutrients to the soil that will help your grass grow in healthy and strong. Even on an existing lawn, getting the soil to the correct acidity can make the difference between thin and patchy grass, or thick, full, and luscious grass.

Now it’s time to seed. Consider investing in a spreader, as this will drop the seeds evenly and prevent you from having to handle the seeds. You can also rent a spreader from local home improvement stores and equipment rental stores. If you’re only covering a section of your yard or spot-seeding, it may be more practical to seed by hand, but make sure you get even coverage.

Once the seed is down, lightly rake over the yard or area again to cover the seed. Add another light layer of compost to cover, as well. Now it’s time to water thoroughly. While the seed is young and establishing roots, it’s very important to keep it watered almost constantly. Aim to water your new seeds 2-3 times per day, so that the seeds barely get dry in between watering. Once the seeds are strong and roots have developed, you can water less frequently, but deeper so that the water reaches the roots and encourages strong growth.

To help your seed grow to its fullest and strongest potential, avoid walking on it for a few weeks until it’s well-established. Once the grass grows to be about 2 ½ – 3 inches high, you can mow your grass. Don’t apply any type of weed killer or control until you’ve mowed your new grass at least 4 times.

If you have more questions or any concerns regarding proper seeding and lawn care, visit us today or start off with a free quote!