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After a new home is constructed a yard may resemble a barren wasteland, and establishing a new lawn may seem like an overwhelming task. Sowing grass seed, planting plugs, or laying sod are all good methods of establishing a new lawn. With careful planning, preparation, and care a lush, green lawn will grow and thrive.
The website "Family Gardening", published by the MSU Horticulture Department, recommends in the article "Starting a Lawn From Seed", planting a new lawn between the months of August and September. In addition, when preparing to plant a new lawn the soil will need to be worked, and any sticks, rocks, or other debris will need to be removed. A tiller does a good job of working the soil, and they are available at most major rental establishments. Before tilling, it is recommended by the same article that a herbicide is used to kill any weeds or other unwanted foliage. Weeds left behind and rotated into the soil may spread, so it is important to remove them in advance. While tilling, more rocks and debris may surface and will need to be removed as well. "Starting a Lawn From Seed" also recommends the use of lime and new lawn fertilizer when preparing to plant. A soil test is advised to determine specific needs.
"Lawn & Landscape - Planting a New Law", published at the Homestore site, recommends grading the soil away from the home so there is a one foot incline for each one hundred foot section of property. This is to encourage water to run off in order to avoid damage from standing water. If soil needs to be brought in to achieve an incline or to level a yard, "Lawn & Landscape - Planting a New Lawn" suggests combining and mixing in the same type of soil. Also, consider the height of a finished lawn, and be sure the top of the soil is levelled about one inch below areas along sidewalks or steps.
Planting grass seed is one method of lawn establishment to consider. There are many varieties of grass seed available for various uses and locations. Some varieties to consider are specifically for sun, shade, play, or heavy traffic. Also, take note of what varieties are recommended for your particular location and climate. "Lawn & Landscape - Planting a New Lawn", recommends reading packaging and choosing grass seed with a high degree of germination and a low quantity of undesirable seeds.
"Starting a Lawn From Seed" suggests the use of a spreader with approximately four pounds of seed for every one thousand square feet of ground. It goes on to say the ground should be lightly raked in order to work the seed into the soil. Cover the newly seeded area with one bale of straw for every five hundred square feet, says "Starting a Lawn From Seed". Also, keeping the newly seeded area lightly watered is important. The same article says half of the straw can be removed when the grass reaches a height of two inches, and the rest can remain to deteriorate into organic material.
"Starting a Lawn From Seed" recommends mowing a newly seeded lawn when the grass reaches a height of two and one half to three inches. It warns that the lawnmower blades need to be sharp in order to prevent dull blades from uprooting the new grass.
According to the website "How to Plug or Sprig a Lawn", published by the National Gardening Association, plugs are best planted between late spring and the beginning of summer. They can be ordered in advance from a garden center or mail order publication.
"How to Plug or Sprig a Lawn" has provided the following information on planting plugs. The plugs should be arranged in rows that have six to twelve inches of space between them, and they should be planted four to six inches apart in holes that are an inch or two deep. The newly planted plugs should be lightly raked and rolled with a lawn roller that is half full of water. As the new plugs grow, continue with even watering on a regular basis, and remove any weeds that crop up.
Planting sod is a quick way to establish a new lawn, but according to the website "Starting a Lawn From Sod", published by Michigan State University Extension, there are few varieties available.
"Starting a Lawn From Sod" says sod should be laid within two days after cutting since it can become too hot and turn brown. The same article provides information on laying and caring for sod. It says sod should be laid on well-moistened soil in an alternating brick pattern with edges touching. Rolling with a lawn roller is important to remove any trapped air. Newly laid sod should be watered each day until roots are established in about two or three weeks. After the new sod is well-rooted, regular watering can gradually be reduced.
With proper care and maintenance, a new lawn will remain healthy, green, and plush year after year. It also adds value and beauty to your property and provides a welcoming place to enjoy leisure time and relax.
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