Create a High-Performance Lawn This Spring

Has your grass turned yellow and scraggly over the years? If so, you can create a healthy and beautiful lawn by seeding it. The process of seeding your lawn is the same whether you’re filling in bare spots, reseeding the backyard or starting a large expanse of lawn from scratch. The three fundamentals to remember are quality seed, soil preparation and careful watering.

Spring is an excellent time to plant grass, so it's the perfect time to get started! Visit your local True Value store to find the right products and expert advice for outdoor seeding.

Step 1. Choose Your Seed
Grass seed comes in many different varieties. Avoid buying inexpensive grass seed in bulk. Although it may seem that more is better, you may be getting unneeded filler material that will result in weeds and unwanted grasses. Look for quality, not quantity. Examine labels to find blends that include disease-resistant properties, high germination rates and low levels of inert matter. Depending on your climate and preferences, you may also want to consider low-mowing groundcovers or ornamental grasses.

Step 2. Prepare Ground
If you're reseeding a large area, first remove old grass and plant growth with a multi-purpose rake. Extract old sod one foot deep with a spade. Using a garden cultivator, loosen the soil to a depth of about 1" or more. Soil should be loose but not extremely fine; clumps should be the consistency of peas or marbles. For large areas, use a power cultivator, available to rent at your local True Value store. Add topsoil only to fill in low areas and, for best results, include a layer of organic compost, peat moss and/or manure. Consider adding sand to increase the soil's moisture absorption. For the perfect balance test your soil's pH level with a pH tester. The ideal pH level for soil is 7. If you have a fireplace in your home, consider adding wood ashes to increase pH levels, and sulfur or aluminum phosphate to lower them.

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Step 3. Lay Down Seed
Spread grass seed by hand or with a rotary spreader according to package instructions. Apply a starter fertilizer to help with germination. Drag the back of a rake over the seeded area to cover with no more than 1/4-inch of soil. Keep people and pets off the lawn until it is well established, usually about 10-14 days after sprouting.

• Consider adding hay or straw mulch to your groundcover, particularly on sloping areas. This helps reduce soil erosion and reduces the need for frequent watering. Use only a small amount, and be aware that straw or hay may cause occasional weeds.

Step 4. Water With Care
Good watering habits are essential for a healthy lawn. With young seed, water every day, preferably during the early morning or early evening. With a garden hose or sprinkler, water frequently but lightly; keep the top inch of soil moist but not saturated until seedlings are well established. After that, you can decrease watering to once a week.

Step 5. Reseed if Necessary
Examine your lawn as it starts to grow. Heavy rains, birds and other pests, and incomplete seeding can cause bare spots, especially along borders and near paved surfaces where it's difficult to get good coverage. If you see spots with no growth or slow growth, it might be helpful to reseed those areas.

Step 6. Long-Term Care
Do not begin to mow your lawn until grass seedlings are at least 1 1/2 inches tall. Avoid mowing wet soil as this may damage young plants. Wait until you've mowed four times before using herbicides and weed killers. Check back during each season and use fertilizer as needed.

Sit back and take pride in the green, beautiful landscape your lawn has become. Keep watering, especially during dry spells, and your lawn will look great for years to come. Visit your local True Value hardware store to get advice on continued lawn care and other rewarding landscaping projects.

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