After you lay down your seedlings, they'll need time and the right environmental protection to grow. They'll need to acclimate and set roots before the first mow, so during the first two to four weeks post aerating and overseeding, don't mow.
For seeded lawns, it may take up to 2 months before they are ready to be mowed. Sod may be ready to be mowed within 2 to 3 weeks of planting. Three to six weeks are required for sprigs, stolons, and plugs to become established. For seeded lawns, wait for all of the seeds to germinate before mowing.
After sodding or seeding, wait until your tall fescue is approximately 4.5 inches tall before mowing. Cut it to 3.5 inches at the lowest. Taking off too much at one time will harm the grass, especially if it is new. Before mowing new fescue, make sure your lawnmower blades are either new or freshly sharpened.
Proper mowing begins with choosing the correct height for your turf grass species. Cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass are generally mowed at 2.5 to 4.0 inches high. The repeated mowing of cool season grasses too low places the turf under stress causing it to require more water.
Post-Planting Care
Irrigate newly seeded areas frequently, so the top 1 inch of soil remains moist. This may require several waterings per day as tall fescue seed germinates over seven to 21 days. With seedlings up and growing, lengthen the time between waterings.
Most types of grass can grow through 2 inches of topsoil placed on top of it if the existing established plants are healthy. Grass often grows through topsoil when a thinner layer of topsoil is placed on top of an old lawn.
The short answer is yes, according to lawn care experts. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can actually be healthy for the grass, as it helps build a strong and nutrient-rich soil.
Most grass seed will start growing in about 10-14 days, but sometimes it can take up to 30 days. When you're planting new grass seed in your yard, it can seem like it's taking forever to start sprouting.
After you lay down your seedlings, they'll need time and the right environmental protection to grow. They'll need to acclimate and set roots before the first mow, so during the first two to four weeks post aerating and overseeding, don't mow.
It is best to water the grass seedlings 2 to 3 times a day for about 5 to 10 minutes each time. This way you replace any water that has evaporated without oversaturation. It amounts to 3-4 inches of water per week. Once the grass seeds germinate, you should water for a longer period once a day.
Keep foot traffic to a minimum for at least one week. If you've also overseeded, you should keep traffic off of your lawn for at least one month so the seeds get a chance to grow.
The disadvantages of top dressing include the struggle of applying nitrogen at the correct time and potential for increased nitrogen losses. Although top dressing is a quick job to complete, it often needs to be completed when growers are busy finishing seeding or starting in-crop herbicide.
Top dressing your lawn is the best way to get that smooth, pristine putting green look you've been aiming for. All grass accumulates organic matter and excess thatch after a while, which introduces new problems. Excess thatch creates a breeding ground for pests, a haven for lawn diseases, and can suffocate your grass.
If you simply toss the grass seed onto the soil, you will end up with poor germination. Thoroughly rake the area to remove any loose debris and to create grooves in the soil.
Reinvigorate Your Lawn
By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will start to look terrific again.
In simple words, grass seeds will grow even when planted uncovered. However, if your question is 'Will the seeds grow easily and will the germination rate be good? ', the answer will most probably be No and No!
Topsoil Uses Can Include Fixing Uneven and Patchy Lawns
You may even notice areas of your yard that are slightly uneven. Topsoil is a great remedy for both problems. To grow grass, simply spread topsoil across the area so it is 1 inch deep. Evenly distribute grass seeds and till the soil to combine.
Depending upon your wheelbarrow size (i.e. 2 or 3 cubic feet per wheelbarrow load), it will take 9 to 14 full loads to equal 1 cubic yard. The chart below shows how many full wheelbarrow loads it takes to equal the specified number of cubic yards.
Will Grass Grow on Hard Packed Dirt? If you do nothing and simply throw some seeds into hard-packed dirt, the chances of grass growing are slim. You might get some isolated turfs but not a uniform lawn.
Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.
Some of the fastest-growing grass types include Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Fine-leaf Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Bentgrasses.
Watering After Seeding Tall Fescue
Avoid run-off and over watering; seeds will probably need as little as 5 minutes of watering to the point of wetting them, but to keep them moist, you may need to water as frequently as 3-4 times a day during the height of summer (i. e. 3-4 times a day for 5 minutes each time).