If a municipal construction project has disturbed or damaged the lawn on your property, please be patient as it is re-seeded and grows. Since the goal is to restore this area to look like a typical lawn again, teamwork is crucial. Typically a contractor or public works agency is responsible for seeding or sodding, but as construction wraps up, it becomes the homeowners responsibility to maintain the newly seeded lawn and grassy area.
Tips for Homeowners Caring for a Newly Seeded Lawn
1. Watering Newly Seeded Lawns
Water is a critical component to establishing turf. Once the seed is in the ground and receives it’s first moisture (either a rain event or watering), it should be kept moist. Lighter, more frequent watering events are ideal for seed establishment and germination. During the first 10-14 days after the initial watering, water lightly 2-3 times per day as needed to keep the soil and seedlings moist. After 10-14 days, apply 1/3” of water every other day (2 gallons per sq. yd every other day) to seed. The application of water may be tested by placing a rain gauge or water tray in the area. As the grass grows and establishes its roots, the watering shall be heavier and less frequent to drive the moisture deeper into the soil to promote deeper roots.
2. Minimize Traffic on Newly Seeded Lawn
It’s important to avoid heavy traffic on the newly seeded lawn. You may walk on the lawn to move sprinklers but try to minimize other foot traffic. Pets and equipment should be kept off the lawn until the grass is well-established.
3. When to Weed and Rake
Newly seeded lawns are vulnerable to weeds, so it’s important to keep the lawn free of weeds. Hand-pull any weeds that may appear, or use a herbicide labeled for use on newly seeded lawns. Do not rake or remove straw from the newly seeded area. The straw will decompose naturally.
4. Wait to Mow New Grass
The newly seeded lawn should not be mowed until the grass reaches a height of at least 5-6 inches and grass covers at least half of the seeded areas. When mowing, keep the blades high and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length. After the first mowing, continue to keep the lawn between 3-4” during establishment. Avoid mowing when it is hot (above 85 degrees) or dry.
5. Fertilizing not Necessary Yet
Typically when grass is seeded after a construction project, the appropriate amount of fertilizer was also placed. Fertilizer usually does not need to be applied during the first year of having a new lawn, unless otherwise instructed. After the first winter, fertilize the area on the same schedule as the rest of your lawn.
6. Be Patient & Persistent
Growing a healthy lawn takes time and patience. It can take up to 6-8 weeks for the grass to establish, so it’s important to continue to care for the lawn during this time and follow these steps for the best results!
Turf Maintenance Resources for Homeowners, Contractors, and Maintenance Workers
The Minnesota Local Road Research Board has some great resources for contractors, maintenance workers and homeowners including the video below that teaches homeowners how to successfully care for new turf grass following a road construction project in front of their home. Other useful resources for those who want to dive deeper into lawn care is the Seed to Turf Handout and Best Practices Guidebook for Boulevard Turf Design and Maintenance.
The great news is that the municipal construction project along your street or home is almost done! Now it is time to get some healthy lush green grass growing again. We hope that these guidelines and tips are helpful as you care for your new lawn!
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