Preparing for a new lawn

or how do I do it?

• RAISE THE pH TO 6 - 7
• ADD FERTILIZER TO THE SOIL, Phosphorous is critical except for Centipede
• INCORPORATE LIME AND FERTILIZER TO A DEPTH OF 2 - 4 INCHES
• GOOD SOIL FERTILITY EQUALS GREAT HOME LAWNS
• PLAN AHEAD WITH YOUR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
• DON'T SKIP OVER PREPARING THE SOIL
• PREPARING THE SOIL CORRECTLY IS LAYING RIGHT FOUNDATION FOR THE GRASS TO GROW.

Preparing for your new lawn is fun and the preparation is important. Think ahead. Lawns don't happen by themselves. They need a good foundation, good seed or sod, and good continued maintenance.

First, plan ahead. Consider which grass you want to have. For all the grasses except Centipede your soil will need to have a pH of 6 to 7 and a medium to high phosphorous level. Pull a soil sample and send it into a laboratory for analysis. The report that comes back to you will reccommend the amount of lime and feritlizer you need to get your soil ready. Incorporate the lime and fertilizer into the soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches deep.

Second, rake and grade your soil. Rake out the clumps, rocks, sticks, and other debris. Level the soil and roll it with a roller to firm it up if needed.

Third, seed or sod. This is where you either plant your seed or lay your sod. In either case you want to have as good contact with the soil as you can. The guiding princpal in seeding is "SEED TO SOIL CONTACT." The guiding principal in sodding is "SOIL TO SOIL CONTACT." After seeding one bale of straw per 1000 square feet or rolling your sod to press it to the soil can improve establishment.

Now that you have laid a good foundation, planted good stock, you must prepare for the maintenance.

Fourth, keep a good maintenance program going. Each grass has its unique maintenance requirements. Visit some of the websites identified on other pages to review the maintenance programs or review the requirements with your landscape contractor.