Sod vs. Seed for New Lawns
In New England, it can be difficult to achieve optimum results for lawn repairs or installation.
We strongly encourage sod installation but, if your budget prevents you from doing that, you can attempt to grow a lawn from seed.
Very Important!
Your results depend on watering AND weed control.
Watering every single day for the first 4 weeks is critical. Then every other day after that. Do not over water!
AFTER 6 weeks YOU MUST HIRE a professional weed control and fertilizing company! The products you purchase at local hardware stores are NOT as good as the ones professionals use. If you do not follow these steps your lawn will be full of weeds.
You are 100% in control of the results of your lawn installation or repair. .
Complications can include:
- heavy rains washing out seed
- children, pets, and wild animals walking or moving on newly seeded areas
- extreme heat or dry conditions can harm new grass/seed and limit its potential
- inconsistent watering; over watering or under watering
- absence of fertilizer and weed control program after lawn is repaired or installed
We're not trying to talk you out of repairing or replacing your lawn, but we want to make sure you have realistic expectations. If we could achieve "sod-like" results from hydro-seeding or hand-seeding, there would be no need for sod.
Caring for a newly seeded lawn
The health of your newly seeded lawn will depend greatly on your watering habits. Don't count on rain to take care of it!
Care during the first four weeks
- In a perfect world you would keep the soil moist all day, however we know that is not always possible.
- You want to water the lawn to the point of saturation ( NO PUDDLING ) as often as you can. The more times per day you can do this the better the results will be.
- DO NOT OVER WATER!!! If puddles form you are over watering and the seed will rot and inhibit germination. If you see puddling stop watering!
- We suggest sprinklers that have a light stream of water (oscillating sprinklers), as this will prevent erosion and agitating the new seedlings.
- If using sprinklers, you need to ensure that you are getting adequate coverage, you likely will have to move the sprinkler around the yard.
- Do not rely on Mother Nature; rain showers do not typically provide enough moisture to ensure adequate growth. Lack of watering can cause the seed to dry up and expire resulting in little to no grass.
Care after the first four weeks
- Now you can water for longer durations - We recommend 12 minutes of watering per area.
- Water at least once per day in the morning - Do not water midday in the hot sun, and avoid watering at night.
- At week 7 you need to apply a straight fertilizer to the lawn.
- After week 8 you can begin to spot spray any weeds that are popping up in the new lawn.
- You must have regular fertilizing and weed control program each season to care for your new lawn.
Ask us about our recommended fertilizing programs.
