Turf Tips
Planting Time:
Typically, the best time to seed is between mid-March and April or September to early October or when temperatures exceed 10 degrees Celsius.
Mowing:
Never mow more than 1/3 of the height of the grass.

How to prepare a lawn:
- Spread topsoil on existing ground.
- Establish rough lawn grade using a weighted ladder or heavy plank sloping away from the house to create an even soil level.
- Broadcast turf fertilizer starter. Recommended:
- 16-32-8 Slow Release fertilizer 3 – 4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (1.3 – 1.8 kg per 100 sq m)
- Dolopril Lime 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4.5 kg per 100 sq m)
- Lightly rake into the top 2 inches (5 cm) of the surface
- Regrade to create an even surface. Roll two directions with a very light water roller (1/3 filled with water).
- Rake soil into the low areas and roll again with a light roller.
- Broadcast grass seed at 5-10 lbs. per 1,000 sq ft (2.5 – 5 kg per 100 sq m) depending on the seed mix.
- Rake lightly, roll again with a light roller to establish seed to soil contact.
- Water with a sprinkler until puddling or runoff starts – Do not over water.
- The lawn area must stay moist until germination is complete. Reduce watering as grass growth begins.
How and when to renovate an old lawn:
When less than 50% of a lawn consists of desirable turf, renovation procedures are recommended.
- Check for insect, disease and soil problems and correct as needed.
- Apply non-selective herbicide or remove all damaged turf to bare soil.
- Mow the lawn to a height of about one inch.
- Power rake or hand rake thatch to establish seed to soil contact.
- Apply 3 – 5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. (1.3 – 2.3 kg 100 sq m) of nitrogen-based, slow release fertilizer
- Rake or rough the surface of the soil focusing on bare spots.
- Spread seed with a drop- or hand-cranked “broadcast” spreader.
- Drag or rake the grass so the seed comes in contact with the soil.
- Water the seedbed lightly so the soil surface is moist.
- Continue light, intermittent watering so the soil does not become hard or baked.
- When the seedlings reach a height of 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm), mow to a height of 1½ inches (4 cm) with a sharp mower when the grass is not wet. Never mow more than one-third of the leaf blade off per cutting.
