How to Plant Grass Lawns

Overview

A lush lawn is the desire of most homeowners. Obtaining this brilliant green appearance begins with the proper planting techniques and routine care. With a hardy seed and some maintenance, a new backyard for family gatherings and playtime is only weeks away. This new addition will add curb appeal and value to your home while offering you an excellent outdoor play area.

Step 1

Prepare the area you will plant. Remove large rocks and debris from the area with a pointed shovel. Till the entire surface area with a roto tiller to break up clumps of dirt. Continue this process until the area is free of debris and the soil is loose. Examine the health of the soil. Soil that is ready for planting is dark and moist with a rich texture. To repair unhealthy soil, continue to step 2. If the soil health is adequate, continue to step 3

Step 2

Add amendments to the soil to regain a healthy growing environment. Add 1 inch of sand to the area using a walk behind spreader. Add the sand to the spreader, and open the control halfway. Walk in paths across the planting area laying a 1-inch base of sand. Roto till the sand into the existing soil. Place lime into the spreader and repeat this process, adding a 1-inch base of lime to the area. Repeat the tilling process, turning the lime into the soil.

Step 3

Place lawn fertilizer into the walk behind spreader, and open the controls to half open. Walk in paths across the lawn spreading fertilizer to the entire surface area. Roto till the fertilizer into the soil. Spread grass seed across the entire surface area. Fill the spreader, and open the controls to three-fourths open. Walk in paths across the planting area until the entire surface area has been completed. Repeat this process walking in a direction perpendicular to the original path, which will spread the grass seed throughout the lawn at different angles allowing for better germination and rooting.

Step 4

Water the area using a garden hose with a spray attachment. Coat the entire surface area of the grass seed until the soil is moist but not soggy. When planting on slopes and hills, place a seed blanket across the entire area to prevent the seed from washing away before it can root into the soil.

Step 5

Monitor growth of the seed, watering daily. New sprouts should develop within three to five days. Mow the lawn when the new growth has reached 4 to 5 inches tall. Mow with a sharp blade. A dull blade tears the new growth from the ground rather than making a clean cut across the top. Continue watering the lawn twice weekly in moist climates. In more dry regions, daily watering is necessary for optimal growth and appearance.