1. Control weeds.
* Remove annual weeds.
* You may need to spray perennials such as bermudagrass, bindweed, nutsedge.
(We can ID your weeds for you -- bring in samples.)
2. Water thoroughly, then wait a few days and rototill.
* Incorporating one to two inches of compost at this time will help roots establish.
3. Install sprinkler system now if you plan to.
* Backfill sprinkler trenches.
* Blast the soil in the trenches with water to settle air pockets; rake in soil and level trenches.
4. Rake, level, and roll with a water-filled roller.
You may want to till again lightly first.
* Check the final level ... this is your last chance!
5. Apply starter fertilizer
@ 20# per 2 — 4,000 sq. ft.
* The phosphorus (middle number) should be high
(e.g., GreenAll 16-16-16 or Sure Start 5-20-10).
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FROM SEED:
6. Spread seed:
* perennial ryegrass/bluegrass/red fescue blends @1# per 300 sq. ft.;
* tall, dwarf, and red fescue grasses @ 1# per 100 sq. ft.
* Use a spreader for best results. Hand held spreaders are easiest.
7. Topdress with a fine layer of redwood or fir compost
@ 1 bale per 250 sq. ft. (more in hot weather).
A compost spreader is helpful. Wear gloves when handling redwood products.
8. Water daily
-- more often if weather is warm, dry, or especially windy.
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FROM SOD:
6. Roll out sod.
"Butt" edges firmly. Measure carefully before you order your sod!
Install it the same day it arrives.
Sprinkle compost on the seams when you finish to help the sod "knit."
7. Water daily
-- more often if weather is warm, dry, or especially windy.
It’s hard to overwater new sod!
Once your lawn is planted, refer to our handout
CARING FOR YOUR NEWLY SEEDED OR RENOVATED LAWN.
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SOME SPECIAL NOTES: WHEN & WHAT?
When?
* Fall is the best time to plant, especially from seed. Spring is next best.
Sod can be installed any time soil can be properly prepared and watering will be carefully monitored.
What kind?
- Perennial ryegrass/bluegrass/red fescue blends are the traditional, fine-bladed lawns.
- Bluegrass is the most attractive lawn, but is very susceptible to fungus throughout the Valley.
- Tall and dwarf fescues are wear-resistant and can go longer between waterings than other grasses.
- Creeping red fescue is the most shade-tolerant grass, and also makes a nice unmowed ground cover.
- Clover can be added to naturally feed the lawn; wildflowers can be added to make a meadow.
- Bermudagrass is planted in the late spring from stolons, which are available from specialty growers. Zoysia and St. Augustine grasses are planted from flats during warm weather. Mondo grass is a slow growing, lawn-like ground cover for deep shade.
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