Reseed lawn how long

Growing grass is more successful when you take care to prepare the planting area and water seeds consistently. Whether you are repairing an existing lawn or planting a new one, site preparation is key. Kill any existing weeds, but take care: There is usually a recommended wait time between applying chemical weed killers and seeding new grass.

Create a hospitable root zone for the new grass seedlings by spreading a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost and tilling it into the top inch of soil. Rake out a smooth seed bed, removing rocks and other debris.

After spreading grass seed, cover the area with a thin layer of straw mulch, and then avoid foot traffic until the first mowing. When overseeding an existing lawn, be sure to check the grass seed package directions or local sources about turf common to your area. Typical instructions are to gradually prepare the existing lawn to favor growth of seed, and lightly rake the new seed into the existing lawn.

Watering new grass seed is probably the most important factor in speedy development. Beginning on the day you spread the seed, water daily with your irrigation system or a hose-end sprinkler until it has germinated. At this stage, your goal is to keep the soil surface moist.

Do not water grass seeds to the point of runoff or pooling; this could wash away the seeds before they have a chance to root. Depending on your soil and slope of the landscape, you may have to water two to four times daily for only a few minutes each time. After the grass seeds germinate, your goal is to promote deep root development.

Gradually decrease the frequency of watering and increase the duration. The type of lawn sprinklers you use, climate variables, soil types , and grass types will all affect watering requirements. Your beautiful new green lawn will be walkable and mowable when the grass is 4 inches high. Mowing before the grass is fully established slows root development and could ruin your hard work. Other seeds and grasses will take longer to grow.

Be patient and allow your new grass to come in. Walking on a slow-growing new grass lawn will only stunt growth. Walking on new grass can easily damage underground seedlings and new grass sprouts. The tiny grass plants have tender blades and weak roots. At this point, the simple act of walking on them can kill the grass or damage it, setting growth back, leaving dead spots in your yard, and allowing weeds to invade.

Avoid walking on a newly seeded lawn and any new grass that is under 3 inches tall. Grass seedlings and sprouts are very easily damaged or uprooted at this stage. Wait until the new grass is over 3 inches tall before mowing, to prevent uprooting or killing young grass. Once the grass has been mowed at least 3 times, it is established enough to be walked on regularly without causing harm. Credit: Getty Images. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Related Content. Budget garden ideas: 15 cheap and easy ways to make your garden look nice on a budget. The first thing that influences how fast your grass will grow is the type of seed you use. The best time to plant your grass seed depends on your location and seed type. If you live in a mild climate, seek out the right warm-weather grass seed for your environment.

You may consider delaying your project and waiting until spring. Since every planting situation is unique, a variety of factors can impact how quickly or if a seed germinates at all. Here are some common reasons why a grass seed may have trouble germinating:.

There are online charts that will help you, and you can ask a pro at the local nursery, too. One grass may require two pounds of seeding per 1, square feet while another may need five pounds per 1, square feet.

Read the package to see the best coverage rates for your seeds. You can poorly time a lot of things when it comes to grass seeding. Planting too close to a frost period or letting the soil get too dry during the germination period can result in poor grass growth. Appropriate watering is critical to germination as well as the long-term health of your grass.

If you over-water, you may wash away the seeds.