Starting A New Lawn or Repairing Bare Spots
Ready to plant that new lawn or repair some bare spots? If you’ve bought your Titan grass seed, you’ve made a good choice. Buying good seed is very important. It is also just as important to properly prepare and maintain your lawn. As good as our Titan seed is, it is very dependent on you providing it a healthy place to grow. Titan fescue is a plant and will remain where you plant it. It can’t go out and get its own food and water. It can’t change the soil you put it in. Those are things you must manage to have a great-looking lawn. Otherwise, your lawn may not get established or be able to survive all of the stresses of the environment. So for a great-looking, long-lasting Titan-quality lawn, follow these steps:
How do I plant a new lawn?
Have you ever considered replacing your lawn? These videos will give you an explanation of the project, some reasons to replant a lawn, and the four general steps of planting a new lawn.
Seedbed and Soil Preparation
Some lawns may need other soil amendments, such as lime. It is strongly recommended to conduct a soil test prior to any new seeding. Tall fescue grows best in soil with a pH of 5.8-6.5. If your soil pH is off, you may have problems with establishment, weed control, disease, and even the ability for the soil/plant to receive fertilizer. The best seed, fertilizer and watering will not overcome poor soil. Soil is what seed and grass depend on. Liming is one of your best and most affordable methods of having a healthy lawn.
Till the soil approximately 6 inches deep. Level with garden or landscaping rake. Surface may be firmed by rolling or soaking, then re-raking till level. Leave top 1/2 inch loose to allow seed to be worked into soil.
Fertilization
Prior to, during, or right after seeding, apply a starter fertilizer to help proper root development. Applying a starter fertilizer is essential to good establishment. Starter fertilizers contain phosphorus, a key nutrient for root development, as well as nitrogen and potassium. Your young grass seedlings need these to grow strong roots and shoots so that they will be able to survive the first few months. Once mature, they will need to be regularly fed to stay strong. Continue using a systematic fertilizer program to maintain a healthy lawn.
Seeding
Sow seeds evenly at 7-10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Rake lightly into soil. No more than 1/8 inch of soil should cover seed. Use a roller or other means to firmly pack the seeded soil.
Spreader Settings
| Spreader | Reseeding Setting | New Lawn/Repair Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts® Hand-Held Spreaders | 5 | 5* |
| Scotts® Broadcast/Rotary Spreaders | 12 | 14½ |
| Scotts® Drop Spreaders | 10 | 15 |
| Scotts® EasyGreen | 30 | 31* |
| *Go over lawn twice. | ||
Covering
Use blankets, pelletized or paper mulch, or straw to hold soil moisture and hasten germination. Baled straw may bring in unwanted weeds; use with caution.
Watering
Do not allow soil to dry out during establishment. Keep soil moist with frequent light watering until seedlings are visible. After lawn is established, water as necessary. Seeds that dry out don’t germinate; seedlings that dry out die.
Overseeding An Existing Lawn
Lawn Preparation
Mow lawn to 1 inch and remove clippings. Dethatch with a power rake or hand rake smaller areas.
Seeding
Sow seed evenly at 4-6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Work seed into existing turf by raking.
Watering
Keep soil moist with frequent, light watering until grass is established.
Mowing
Follow normal mowing practices when grass reaches 3 to 4 inches in height.
Maintaining Your Titan Tall Fescue Blend Lawn
Mowing
Maintain mower height between 2 to 3 inches, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass plant with each mowing.
Weed Control
It is very common to see new weeds when planting a new lawn or disturbing the soil. For new lawns, wait 6-8 weeks before using any herbicide. For existing lawns, the best weed control is to maintain a healthy lawn by regular fertilization, proper mowing, and watering as often as necessary.
