Are you considering laying down new grass seed on your property? It’s not as simple as tossing the seed down and hoping for the best - if you want a healthy, thriving lawn that can make it through the year without issue, it’s important to go through the steps of preparing soil for grass seed. But how do you prepare soil properly for new grass seed?
When is the Best Time to Seed Your Lawn?
First, you should think about the best time to seed your lawn. When should you lay down new grass seed for the best results? It really depends on the type of grass you’re planning to grow - here are a few pointers:
- Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue have the best results when planted in cooler weather, like late summer or early fall.
- Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Bahia do better when planted in warm temperatures, like late spring or early summer.
If you’re not sure which category your grass falls into and when is the best time to seed your lawn, let Natural Green assist you in the process.
Related: How to Manage Multiple Types of Grass in the Same Lawn
Preparing Soil for Grass Seed With pH Testing
There are certain steps for preparing soil for grass seed, but you should start with testing your soil’s pH. This test determines how alkaline or acidic your soil is - you want it to be in the middle, in a neutral state, as that’s where a majority of plants thrive. Here’s how you can test your lawn’s pH level:
- Have a professional use a testing meter that’s inserted into the soil.
- Order a testing kit where you collect and prepare samples before sending them off to be tested.
If your soil is too acidic, you can try using lime or wood ash to raise its pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can use organic matter (like compost), sulfur, or aluminum sulfate to lower the pH levels.
Aeration is Key
Aeration and achieving optimal seed-to-soil contact are vital aspects in cultivating a healthy and lush lawn. To ensure successful growth, we employ a minimum of a double pass aeration technique, a step often overlooked by many companies who settle for a single pass. By performing a double pass aeration, we:
- Enhance soil compaction reduction and create more pathways for nutrients, water, and air to reach the grass roots, maximizing seed germination and overall grass health.
It's important to note that merely overseeding a lawn without proper aeration results in yields of less than 30%, highlighting the crucial role aeration plays in fostering a vibrant and thriving turf.
Related: Fall Lawn Seeding vs. Spring: What’s Best For Your Maryland Lawn
Contact Natural Green for Help Seeding Your Lawn
There can be many challenges when growing a healthy, lush lawn, but we are here to help you achieve the yard that you envision. Have questions about aeration, overseeding, or preparing soil for grass seed? Natural Green has answers. Contact us today!
