GRASS SEED
CARE & TIPS

​When to Plant Grass Seed

Timing is crucial for successful grass seed germination. Cool-season grasses in our region (e.g., fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass) are best planted in early fall (late August to mid-October) or early spring (March to May) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is more consistent.

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You will need to wait 2-4 months before seeding after applying pre-emergent weed control (eg: crabgrass preventer) or weed & feed treatments, as these herbicides can inhibit the germination of the grass seeds. 

 

Aftercare: Keeping Your Lawn Healthy

Once the grass seed has been planted, proper care ensures successful establishment and long-term growth.

 

Watering

• Water thoroughly on the day of installation.

• Water lightly 2–3 times a day, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, until seeds germinate (typically 7–21 days, depending on grass type).

• Once established, transition to deeper, less frequent watering (about 1–1.5 inches per week).

• Take rainfall into account to avoid over-watering. Watering in the late evening/overnight is discouraged, especially in hot humid weather as water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus.

• The perimeter of the lawn is more likely to dry out. Hand water these areas thoroughly.

• Continue to water as needed throughout the summer. Irrigating deeply and infrequently encourages roots to grow deep, making the turf more tolerant to drought.

 

Fertilizing

• Apply a starter fertilizer at planting to encourage strong root development.

• After the grass has grown to about 3 inches, apply a balanced fertilizer to support continued growth.

• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak roots.

 

Mowing

• Wait until grass reaches about 3-4 inches before mowing for the first time.

• Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.

• Keep mower blades sharp to prevent damage and stress to the grass.

 

Usage Tips

• Limit foot traffic & pets on newly seeded areas until grass is well-established.

• Overseed thin spots as needed to maintain a thick, healthy lawn.

• Regularly check for pests and weeds, addressing issues early to prevent damage.

• Consider adding core aerating to your regular lawn maintenance to aide the development of deep roots.

 

By following these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation for a beautiful lawn that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.