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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:

  1. Spread topsoil on existing ground.
  2. Establish rough lawn grade using a weighted ladder or heavy plank sloping away from the house to create an even soil level.
  3. Broadcast turf fertilizer starter. Recommended:
    1. 16-32-8 Slow Release fertilizer 3 – 4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (1.3 – 1.8 kg per 100 sq m)
    2. Dolopril Lime 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4.5 kg per 100 sq m)
  4. Lightly rake into the top 2 inches (5 cm) of the surface
  5. Regrade to create an even surface. Roll two directions with a very light water roller (1/3 filled with water).
  6. Rake soil into the low areas and roll again with a light roller.
  7. 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.
  8. Rake lightly, roll again with a light roller to establish seed to soil contact.
  9. Water with a sprinkler until puddling or runoff starts – Do not over water.
  10. 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. 

  1. Check for insect, disease and soil problems and correct as needed.
  2. Apply non-selective herbicide or remove all damaged turf to bare soil.
  3. Mow the lawn to a height of about one inch. 
  4. Power rake or hand rake thatch to establish seed to soil contact.
  5. Apply 3 – 5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. (1.3 – 2.3 kg 100 sq m) of nitrogen-based, slow release fertilizer 
  6. Rake or rough the surface of the soil focusing on bare spots.
  7. Spread seed with a drop- or hand-cranked “broadcast” spreader.
  8. Drag or rake the grass so the seed comes in contact with the soil.
  9. Water the seedbed lightly so the soil surface is moist. 
  10. Continue light, intermittent watering so the soil does not become hard or baked.
  11. 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.