When you’re setting out to add grass to your lawn, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the cost.
That’s understandable! After all, it can be expensive to buy new sod or seed, not to mention all the other things you’ll need in order for your grass to grow well.
But don’t worry there are plenty of ways you can save money when adding grass in this way: like buying at a discount store, for instance.
And because I know how much money matters when it comes to yard work (or anything else), I’ve put together some tips for making sure that your new green patch doesn’t cost more than necessary!
Sure, here is a single column takeaway table:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Planting grass seed is an affordable and effective way to achieve a beautiful lawn |
| Choosing the right grass seed and preparing the soil are crucial for successful grass growth |
| Proper watering and fertilization are essential for the health of your lawn |
| Weeds can be prevented with proper maintenance and site preparation |
| The best time to plant grass seed is during the early fall or early spring |
Buying In Sod
Adding sod to your lawn is one of the fastest ways to get a lush green lawn. Sod is the grass that has been laid down in rolls and cut into pieces.
The advantage of sod over seed is that it has more chance of survival, so if you order from a reputable company and choose the right time of year for installation, then you’ll have a good-looking lawn within about two weeks.
Sod is more expensive than buying seeds; however, it’s worth paying extra for because sod also comes with all the nutrients needed for healthy grass growth built into its roots.
This means that there’s no need for fertilizer or watering until your new plants have had time to establish themselves (usually 3 months).
You can save money by choosing some cheaper options like artificial turf instead – but beware: they don’t look as realistic or feel as soft underfoot!
Adding topsoil to your lawn can be a great way to promote healthy grass growth. Adding fresh topsoil provides a nutrient-rich environment for your grass to grow in. Check out our guide on adding topsoil to an existing lawn to learn more.
Spraying Grass Seed
Spraying grass seed is very effective, but only if you do it correctly. First of all, make sure your grass seed is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
If it’s old, chances are that it may have lost its viability or germination rate.
After that, you need to make sure that you’re spraying in a straight line so that each cell gets equal coverage of nutrients from the fertilizer mixture in which the seeds are planted.
This ensures an even spread throughout each cell and helps prevent any damage caused by over-watering or over-fertilizing at one particular location.
Watering your newly-sprayed lawn daily will help ensure its success; however, please note that watering too much could cause root rot!
Simply sprinkle some water around each area of your yard every day until they start sprouting up through the ground (this should take between two weeks and three months depending on how hot/cold/moist your climate is).
Finally, mulch with straw or hay before mowing so as not to disturb their fragile roots while cutting down tall grasses surrounding them (you don’t want them drying out when exposed).
Spraying Grass Seed Tips
| Tips |
|---|
| Use fresh grass seed for best results |
| Preparing the soil adequately for the seed |
| Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific grass seed |
| Choose the right equipment for applying the seed |
| Pay attention to the weather conditions during the application process |
| Water the seeded area frequently until the grass is well-established |
Cutting And Patching
After you’ve prepared the ground and seeded, it’s time to cut your lawn. Grass needs to be maintained at a height of about three or four inches. If you don’t have a variable-speed mower, use scissors.
Cutting your lawn is an important step in getting that perfect lawn look. You’ll want to cut the grass twice before this process is done!
First, rotate your mower back and forth until all the grass is short enough for mulching or bagging (or at least 3-4 inches tall).
Then use scissors to make sure no sharp edges remain on any part of your lawn. This can help prevent weeds from growing through them after you finish cutting.
Finally, go over every inch again with scissors just as you did before this will ensure evenness throughout all areas of your yard so everything looks nice and neat when finished!
If you’re looking to give your lawn a makeover, consider adding turf to the existing lawn. It’s a quick and easy way to create a lush, green space. Check out our guide on adding turf to an existing lawn to learn more.
Repel Weeds
You can use a pre-emergent herbicide to help keep weeds from sprouting. This is especially useful if you’re trying to create new lawn in areas that have been overgrown with weeds.
Be sure not to use these chemicals on your existing lawn, however, as they will kill it as well.
Pre-emergent herbicides do their job by preventing seeds from sprouting, so they have to be applied before the seeds start growing (usually in early spring and late fall).
If possible, avoid using broadleaf herbicides during these seasons because they will also kill other plants including grasses! Make sure the product is labeled for use on turfgrass and follow all directions carefully.
Pre-Emergent Herbicide Tips to Repel Weeds
| Tips |
|---|
| Use a pre-emergent herbicide before weeds start growing |
| Apply the herbicide at the right time of year |
| Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific herbicide |
| Water the area after application to activate the herbicide |
| Avoid seeding the area for several weeks after using a herbicide |
Water Enough
The frequency of watering is also dependent on the type of grass you are growing. If you have a lawn with Kentucky bluegrass, which is most common in the United States, you will want to water it every other day during hot and dry weather.
The length of time that a lawn needs to be watered depends on how thirsty it is and the amount of rain or irrigation that has been applied since your last watering.
If you do not water enough then your yard will become brown and dusty looking but if you water then this can lead to moss starting to grow in unwanted places such as between paving stones or around trees.
To keep your grass healthy, it’s essential to have proper drainage in your lawn. If you’re struggling with too much water collecting in your lawn, check out our guide on absorbing water from a lawn to learn how to prevent water from damaging your grass.
Dethatch First
Dethatching is the process of removing thatch from your lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that builds up on the surface of your lawn, making it hard for water to reach the grassroots.
If you have a thick build-up of thatch, consider dethatching before you add new sod or seed.
You can also perform a controlled dethatching after seeding or transplanting new grass into an existing lawn to help establish healthy root growth and prevent any damage from mowers moving across the surface as they cut through the residue left behind by old blades.
Let Sun Shine In
Next, you’ll need to make sure your grass has enough sunlight. It’s important that your lawn gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day for natural photosynthesis.
Some grasses will grow better with more or less sun exposure, so it’s best to check the requirements for the type of grass you’re planting.
If you’re looking to accelerate your lawn’s growth, there are a few simple steps you can take to stimulate growth. Check out our guide on accelerating lawn growth to learn more about the tips and tricks of fast and healthy lawn growth.
Topdress With Compost
Topdressing, or adding compost to existing soil, is the easiest way to get your lawn looking great in no time at all.
Compost is a natural fertilizer that will boost the health of your plants, as well as improve the moisture and drainage in your lawn’s soil.
You can buy compost from garden centers or make it yourself by collecting kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings and old bread on a weekly basis.
The best time to topdress with compost is in spring and autumn; when you’re adding it in spring it helps promote growth by providing nutrients for new shoots and roots; while adding it in autumn helps restore nutrients after summer’s heat has taken them away.
To topdress effectively you’ll need a rake so that you can mix the existing soil with fresh garden compost if there isn’t enough room between each blade of grass then use a spade instead!
Relieve Compaction
Compaction can be a serious problem for your lawn, but there are ways to relieve it. To begin with, you should use a rotary tiller to break up the soil and loosen it up.
If your lawn is large enough to warrant hiring a professional landscaper, ask them if they have any experience with aerating the lawn and how much this would cost you.
You can also add compost or mulch over the area in question as well as aerate it by using a spade to poke holes into the topsoil. This will help give roots access to water and nutrients so that they can grow more quickly!
Adding some color to your garden can be a great way to brighten up your outdoor space. You can add color using different types of plants, flowers or decorations. Check out our guide on adding color to your garden to learn more about the different ways you can add pop and color to your garden, starting today!
Mow At The Right Time
The right time to mow your lawn is when it’s dry. When the grass is wet, it can cause the blades of your mower to clog up and jam.
Also, make sure you’re mowing often enough to keep your grass at a height that’s comfortable for you.
If not, mow more often or choose a different height setting on your lawnmower. Finally, always make sure that the blades on your lawnmower are sharp; dull blades will tear at the plant instead of cutting it cleanly off at its base
Add Minerals & Nutrients
After you’ve mowed your lawn, it’s time to add the nutrients. If you live in a dry area, it’s important to add lime to your soil.
Lime helps break down organic matter and release minerals into the soil. These minerals help plants absorb nutrients from fertilizer more efficiently and make them stronger and healthier over time.
After adding lime (if necessary), sprinkle some fertilizer over the ground and work it into the soil with a rake or hoe until all of it is covered.
Then sprinkle compost on top of that layer of fertilizer just enough so that there are no bare spots on top of either layer when you’re finished spreading them out evenly across all areas where grass will grow later on in this process!
Regular Mowing And Watering Will Help To Bring Your New Grass To Life
When you have a new lawn, regular mowing and watering are the two most important things you can do to help it grow.
Make sure that you water your grass regularly for the first three to four weeks after planting. After this time, you can reduce the frequency of watering as long as there are no periods of extreme heat or drought.
Mow your lawn after it has established itself by at least six weeks. You will notice that your grass will be starting to grow taller than before; try not to cut more than one-third off with each mow during this time period (or at least until it is fully established).
Conclusion
Once you’ve added grass to your lawn, the next step is to care for it properly. Grass needs regular watering, mowing, and dethatching. It must be allowed plenty of sun and air. If you follow these steps, then it will grow thick and green without any problems!
Further Reading
Planting Grass for a New Lawn – Learn the step-by-step process of planting a new lawn with grass seed, from choosing the right grass type to proper maintenance.
How to Plant Grass Seed – A comprehensive guide to planting grass seed that covers tips for site preparation, choosing the right grass seed, and post-planting care.
How to Grow Grass from Seed – This guide offers tips for planting grass seed, including preparing the soil, selecting the right seed, and watering and fertilizing the new grass.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to plant grass seed?
The best time to plant grass seed depends on the climate and the type of grass you are planting. In general, the best time to plant is during the early fall or early spring when temperatures are mild and moisture is plentiful.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate?
The time it takes for grass seed to germinate varies depending on the grass variety and environmental conditions. Typically, it takes between 5-30 days for grass seed to germinate.
How often should I water my new grass after planting?
During the first two weeks after planting, water your lawn lightly and frequently, about two to three times per day. As your grass begins to grow, you can reduce watering to once a day or every other day.
How can I prevent weeds from growing in my new grass?
To prevent weeds from growing in your new grass, make sure you have properly prepared the soil before planting, and ensure proper maintenance after planting, including proper watering and fertilization.
How do I choose the right grass seed for my lawn?
When choosing grass seed for your lawn, consider factors such as climate, soil type, and sunlight exposure. Research different seed varieties or consult with a lawn care professional to determine which option is best for your specific lawn.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
