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Seed & Sod: Welcome

Whether you are starting a lawn from scratch or over seeding we can help you out. We have a complete line of grass seed blends for various areas in your yard. If you don’t want to wait for the seed to grow we sell Bluegrass Sod, just lay it out and enjoy the new lawn.

Regardless of weather you install a lawn by seed or sod, soil preparation is the most important step in starting any lawn. We offer a complete soil test that will give you an analysis of the nutrients and pH that is in your soil. Once you have done that then you can develop a game plan to get that beautiful lawn.

Preparation and Installation

1. Measure off the area and figure the square footage (length x width).
2. OPTIONAL STEP: Kill weeds and grass with a nonselective herbicide (Round-up); however seeding will have to be delayed approximately 5 to 7 days after application of such products.  Be sure you are not using a total vegetative killer.
3. Rototill the area and remove all debris – stone, roots, and weeds – which could possibly interfere with the development of the grass seed.
4. Rough grade – rake and remove any debris while producing a reasonably level area (no low spots) on which to lay the seed/sod.
5. Incorporate into the soil all amendments needed to insure the germination of the grass seed/sod.
6. Dolomitic Lime: 50 -100 lbs will cover approximately 1000 sq.ft. and raise pH 1 point
7. Starter Fertilizer: High in phosphorous, essential for root development.
8. Organic Matter: Compost, manure, peat moss anything that has high organic content will help the soil structure, increase the water holding capacity and increase the microbial activity.
   
9. Fine Grade – At this time the grade needs to be level.  There should be no question about which direction the water will drain.
10. Roll the area with a lawn roller approximately ¾ full of water.
11. Water the ground lightly.  If puddling occurs remove soil from high areas to fill in low spots.
12. Now you are ready to install your lawn.

For areas that have high clay content we recommend adding Gypsum.  Typically clay soils have moss growing in that area.  To resolve your moss problem visit our moss control page.

Insect controls can be applied at the same time as well.  If you feel you have an insect problem in your lawn, only apply control when pest is present.  Please refer to our insect control page for more information.

Maintenance

Once you have the lawn started, maintenance is your key to success.  Keep that lawn looking great by:

• Watering a minimum of 1” per week.
• Fertilizing 3 to 5 times a year.
• Mowing the lawn regularly and set your mower at a cutting height of 2"-2.5”.
• Controlling all pests when they are active: weeds, diseases and insects.
• Please refer to our lawn care experts for any other information.

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