Creating a New Lawn

Now is the time to turn that old dry patch in the back yard into a beautiful, green lawn.

There are a number of steps you need to take and one thing to always remember is what water restrictions you will have in your region this summer. Once you have watering information, choose grass seed or sod that will do well with your watering restrictions because no one wants to see their lawn turn into a dusty, lumpy, yellow wasteland.

Check out the steps below to get you started.

1.  Check for low spots and drainage problems. Remove all debris, wood, tones, plaster, etc. Spray hardy weeds and grasses with Roundup or a natural weed killer.

2.  Add any necessary soil amendments: peat, sand, topsoil, lime, turface, etc. as needed and work in well.

3.  When soil is moderately dry, rototill (you can rent a rototiller) to a 6-8" depth and rake level with small clods from grape to golf ball size. A "pebbly" surface is best.

4.  Apply seed starter fertilizer and lime. Water area thoroughly. Check for low spots.

5.  When dry, rake seedbed level to create a gradual slope away from the house to prevent drainage problems

6.  Apply seed witha "whirlwind" type seed spreader. Rake lightly to cover seed to a depth of 1/4 inch.

7.  Lightly roll the entire surface to firm the seedbed (you can rent a roller).

8.  Water lightly to 1/4 inch. Thereafter, water daily but lightly so the soil surface remains damp.

9.  After 2 weeks, reseed bare spots and wash outs.

10.  When the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 inches, mow to a height of 1 1/2 inches with a sharp mower when grass is dry.

To maintain a high quality turf, annually overseed the lawn at a rate of 8 -10 lb. of new seed per 1,000 sq. ft.

Of course you can always simply prepare the area following the steps above and purchase sod. Sod is much more expensive but has the added bonus of instant gratification.