Fescue and bluegrass are known to do well during cold seasons. Your email address will not be published. We understand that you might still have a few questions for us, and we encourage you to reach out to us with any that you might have, because we’d love to try our best to help you out! What should I do after overseeding my lawn? If the area is small then add around 10-20 quality grass seeds per square inch to the problem areas – you won’t need more than this for minor patches. Watering your grass seed is a very simple process. Naturally, you might still want to have your grass a little larger, and that’s entirely your choice, but this is just a generalized answer about what time it is usually right to cut it according to the experts. We also discussed about how you need to water your plants timely. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Because you must wait for seeds to germinate, you cannot cut the grass until two months have passed. So, when to cut the grass after overseeing? Drying the grass blades provides a healthy environment for clean cuts as the mower moves across the turf – wet grass becomes tangled and torn during mowing. At this time, lower your mower blades and bring the grass down to its actual recommended mowing height. Once the grass has gained a little height, you can ease back to your normal pattern. Watering your lawn may seem natural, but proper watering has a little more science behind it. We recommend that you ensure that your lawn mower has sharp blades, because that would actually make it a lot easier to properly cut the grass instead of unevenly pulling them. Should I fertilize the lawn after overseeding it? Naturally, it isn’t too easy to find one of those- but we here at Turf Mechanic have got your back! An slit seeder is an effective tool to use when you renovate your lawn. Not only that, wet grass can also clump in the mower, resulting to fallout in clumps rather than for the cut grass to be evenly dispersed. Warm Weather Considerations Let fescue grow slightly taller in summer. One general rule for mowing is that the shorter you want to mow the more often you need to mow to maintain healthy grass. Use Green-Up It is recommended to … You will want to mow that for the first time or two with a walk behind push mower so you don't suck up any of the sprigs of grass. Try to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. That’s exactly what we are going to take a look at in today’s article here at Turf Mechanic. Once the grass has germinated, be sure to water every few days giving the grass a good deep soaking. Shade or Trample: When to Cut After Over-seeding Put down GCI Cool Blue (TTTF/KBG) a little over two weeks ago. So, this range is usually treated by the experts as an ideal range. If your grass seed dries out after it has started to sprout, it will die. Learn when is the best time to plant grass seed for a beautiful lawn. This includes the duration of time that you should allow your lawn to breathe after you overseed it. You’ve finally made it to the end of today’s article! Doing it properly is going to ensure the safety as well as the overall health of your grass. Required fields are marked *. This will prevent new seed from getting stuck in the grass and make it easier to reach the soil. After a few weeks of planting, you will start to see lush blades starting to grow. When To Cut Grass After Overseeding; If your lawn doesn’t look good due to thinning grass, you might opt to grow more grass seeds. Summary. We really hope that you’d stick around to read our upcoming articles as well! Mowing Techniques. Mowing winter rye grass is an important maintenance consideration and one that you must do correctly. Begin your seeding project with the right products! If you wait until the grass gets to 3 3/4 inches, you can cut the blades to two-thirds of their height, or 2 1/2 inches. Find out what you should be doing the first two weeks after seeding to encourage a successful lawn. By proper watering, you find a lush green lawn you have always wanted. Until we meet again on another article, we request you to take care and wish you a great day! Type of grass There are various types of grass that you can plant on your lawn depending on what you prefer. It also enables your lawn to enrichen in colour and look green throughout the year. Week 4 and beyond: A month after your new seed has had time to establish, it is safe to begin to cut the lawn as needed. Cutting after overseeding / seeding. This process is more commonly referred to as overseeding, and it’s also useful for treating suffered sections due to pests and plant disease. So, it is important that you water your seeds properly. As we remarked earlier, the grass still isn’t really old, and too much force might actually still uproot them. Two or three days later, cut the grass down by about one-third of its length. When and How to Overseed When the right time is … Due to the heat if you begin to hydroseed in the summer the grass will grow much faster than in other seasons. If you’re overseeding after scarification or as part of a lawn renovation, you should have already cut the grass pretty close. This is because they consist of different heights. Ultra Member : Oct 7, 2012, 10:24 AM I've never heard of using straw mulch for overseeding but maybe you mean seed placed over soil? Then suddenly in March the grass sprouted and began filling in, there were points in the spring when we got plenty of rain where I was mowing 3x a week. They are not as long as cold season grasses as they grow from 1 inch up to 3 inches height wise. As lawn owners ourselves, we here at Turf Mechanic understand your vision and we try our best to help you out! Prior to mowing, you should discontinue watering for 1 day before mowing to let the lawn dry out. As you mow the lawn, only remove up to one-third of the grass blade length at a time with sharpened mower blades. Day 7 through 10: Mow The best thing you can do for your grass after overseeding is give it rest, and your mower causes a lot of unrest. The surface might be dry but because of the heavy growth in September its wet down low and it's a real job to cut and clean up. So, when to mow new grass from seed? Understanding when to sow grass seed is vital if you want fast, reliable germination. At the beginning, it might even appear to be too little and too unevenly distributed. One general rule for mowing is that the shorter you want to mow the more often you need to mow to maintain healthy grass. There are several things that the ideal time to mow your new grass depends on. Mowing the grass is the primary maintenance during the winter. When giving the grass its first cut, set your mower blades to a height that's slightly higher -- 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) -- than the maximum mowing height for its species. The lawn will need to be cut once it reaches about 4” height and the mower should be set at the highest possible level. Click here to find out the Best Sprinklers for Windy Areas! When the new lawn is 5cm (2in) high, cut with a rotary mower to 2.5cm (1in). All you have to do is roughly estimate whether your grass has reached its growing potential. Add New Grass Seed After scarifying there will be some patches around the lawn where the moss and debris were located. How to Prep a Lawn for Slit Seeders. Remember to water this section once a day. You need to know when and how you might want to mow your lawn at this stage. After that, your watering can be lighter. It just so happens that the grass is still in a basic phase of growth and you want to be a little careful. Your new lawn may be anything but humorous if improper fertilization burns the grass or worse kills the roots. And each of these types has so many models that it’s hard to choose! Your lawn may be suffering because you’re cutting grass in hot, dry weather too often. This way, you’ll allow the new seeds to settle and put down roots. The time that you are supposed to wait before you mow your lawn after overseeding depends on the type of grass. It's been pretty damn cool and sunny here (NE - 5b) ever since and the sprouts are between 0.5"-1.5". Seeded lawns require the longest time period between planting your grass and mowing. This should take about 8 weeks, so be patient! This should take about 8 weeks, so be patient! Remove no more one-third of the leaf tissue when you mow to avoid stressing and weakening the grass. You should mow your lawn after 14 days in order for the whole process to be successful. Then, we also discussed how and when you might want to actually move on to the mowing. After scarifying there will be some patches around the lawn where the moss and debris were located. Now, sprinklers are a great choice to actually make the job easier for you. Also when do I remove the straw? You will have the most success with your overseeding if … Fourth, Green-Up for Seeding and Sodding is a lawn food that is specially formulated for this purpose. Mow newly seeded areas at approximately 3” high from the first 4-6 weeks after the seeds have germinated – This means mowing a little higher than usual. A good lawn care company that, like PPLM, provides mowing services in addition to aeration and seeding services will not be back to cut your lawn until all of your seed has germinated and had a couple of weeks to develop, which could take up to three to four weeks or more. Erosion control and stormwater management are important here as you want the lawn moist but not so wet that it washes away the seeds. Repeat this process for the first month after installation. Choose your grass seed type and spread more than normal across the parts of your lawn that you’d like to see healthier in the springtime. Overseeding is one of the most important aspects that you should consider if you intend to have a healthy looking lawn. Sharpen your mower blade for clean cuts. When the grass is dry you’ll need to cut the grass quite low, maybe an inch or so. Knowing when to mow and water, as well as the correct cutting procedures, produces strong, healthy growth in newly planted lawns. I'm Planting Grass Seed Using Mushroom Compost: Do I Need to Add Soil? Yes, however, this should done after about six weeks. The same rule of thumb applies if you maintain your own lawn. You should constantly water the grass so that they can receive adequate moisture which is essential for proper growth. It may take two months or more before your seeded grass reaches the appropriate heights for the first mowing. Grass & Grass Seed Find out how to grow a new lawn or repair the one you have. The new grass will not be well-established with deep roots for about eight weeks, so mow your lawn carefully the first few times. Reseeding is a way to renovate a lawn that is patchy, full of weeds or otherwise unattractive and unhealthy. The same rule of thumb applies if you maintain your own lawn. Grass Seed. It may take two months or more before your seeded grass reaches the appropriate heights for the first mowing. Again, after 4 inches, it might be a little harder to mow it properly. That’s why it’s smartest to wait around a week, or more if possible, to allow the new seeds to settle. However, turns out there are quite a few types of those available out there. Mowing the Lawn After Seeding. Oscillating Sprinklers: Top 4 Oscillating Sprinklers with Built-in Timers! You might be wondering if you can overwater your seed, but it turns out you can, as you can find out in our article here! For about three weeks after seeding, or until the grass begins to peek out of the dirt, set a daily watering schedule. It is rich in potassium, an essential nutrient needed for the root development of grass seed and newly cut sod. Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass on the other hand, work well during much warmer seasons. Once you choose the best season to begin hydroseeding you may need a little advice and we’re here for you! Therefore, you should always consider the type of grass that you are overseeding on your lawn in order to know how long you should wait before mowing your lawn. After I aerate, seed and fertilize I wait at least 2 weeks and sometimes 3 before going back to cut again. Is the best time to cut grass before or after rain? It requires daily investment. Well, it just so happens that this question cannot be answered in terms of time in a perfectly generalized way. After you lay down your seedlings, they’ll need time and the right environmental protection to grow. Especially yards with irrigation the yards are thick and tall and wet down inside the grass. They will initially appear sparse. If you still have questions about lawn care before overseeding, we’ve got you covered. How to Cut the Lawn After Reseeding. Overseeding is as simple as it sounds. After cultivation leave for several days to settle - the longer the better, ideally five to six weeks or more. Wait a day if necessary for a better mowing experience for yourself and your lawn. When Can I Cut My Grass After Seeding? This helps minimise the stress of that first trim. Mow the rye grass often enough throughout the fall … Carefully rake up the clippings. When to cut grass after seeding. Otherwise, you can check whether the grass starts rooting firmly or not simply by tugging its corner edge. Your mower needs to have sharp blades cutting across dry grass so that the turf is not torn or ripped as it is cut low. They have a great height range as they grow from 2.5 inches up to 4 inches. Find everything you need to know about grass and grass seed at Scotts. Let me explain why under the following headings: But, you can pretty much answer it in another way- the height for your grass at which you might want to cut it. Do not use a residual weedkiller, as it will prevent the grass from germinating. How Low to Cut Grass Before Overseeding For best results with overseeding, set your mower at 1.5” to 2” and give your lawn a nice trim just before spreading the new grass seed. Now that you’ve put in that new lawn you want to make sure it keeps looking great for as long as you own it. The after picture is Oct 4, 1 year after … As the grass continues to grow, it will stifle weed growth. "The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank" proclaims Erma Bombeck in her humorous book by the same title. As I remarked earlier in the article, a height less than 3 inches might still have the grass at a stage of infancy and can be potentially damaging. There are various types of grass that you can plant on your lawn depending on what you prefer. When you are able to cut for the first time, you will want to make sure you follow good cutting techniques and mow high. Generally, allow the newly seeded grass to grow to the maximum growing height recommended for its species. If you put in place the best, well-prepared soil, a quality seed that works for your area and the correct tools, you will have a lovely lawn in no time. Lawn Sweeper vs Bagger: Comparison, Pro’s and Con’s Guide, How to Make St. Augustine Grass Spread Quickly, How to Protect Grass Seed from Heavy Rain. You are supposed to let your lawn rest a bit and frequently water it after you over seed it in order for the new seeds to settle properly. Top 4 Oscillating Sprinklers with Built-in Timers. This is because lawn mowers are great inventions that enable us to keep our lawns look neat and tidy throughout the year. It is best to overseed them on your lawn during this cold seasons so that they are able to grow to their full potential. That does not mean that the rest of the plants in the area don’t. If it has, then that means your lawn is ready to be mowed. About one month after seeding, fertilize your new lawn using a high nitrogen (the first of the 3 numbers on the bag) fertilizer. In this guide to lawn mowing, I’m going to tell you the answers to all these questions as well as everything else you need to know about maintaining a healthy lawn without too much fuss. Don’t worry, you can walk on it, but try not to dismantle the mulch mat as you step. For about three weeks after seeding, or until the grass begins to peek out of the dirt, set a daily watering schedule. For example, a first mowing should reduce the grass to just above the recommended height. In general, it’s recommended to wait for at least 2 to 3 weeks before mow overseeded lawn. You mow too soon. We know you’re working for the lawn of your dreams, and you don’t want all your efforts to go to waste. You can read more about me and my credentials on my bio. Removing one-third of the grass height at a time reduces stress and provides adequate surface area for continued photosynthesis. For new grass you want to be sure the grass has reached at least 3 ½ inches in height, if not more, before cutting for the first time. Many people struggle to properly judge when to cut grass after aeration and seeding. Try to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. But this is normal. Naturally, if your lawn mower doesn’t have sharp blades, a few grass getting uprooted is something that you might find happening every once in a while, making the whole job really messy as well as causing a lot of damage to your new turf. In today’s article, we talked about when to mow new grass from seed. And that’s when you know it’s time to mow your lawn, right? What is the effect of Dish Soap on Lawns – is it Safe to Use? We discussed the main things you might want to know before you actually do the mowing. Wait three or four days, then give the new grass its follow-up mowing. But then again, it all depends on the type of grass you’ve sown. Homeowners may have to wait up to two months before mowing the lawn after seeding. I'm Brian Mounts, an author, editor, and lawn & garden expert who just can't stay inside the house. Watering it regularly will also keep the seeds from drying out and ruining your new grass. A good lawn care company that, like PPLM, provides mowing services in addition to aeration and seeding services will not be back to cut your lawn until all of your seed has germinated and had a couple of weeks to develop, which could take up to three to four weeks or more. Because they are cut on a regular basis, the grass in a lawn never goes to seed. Well, as it turns out, not always. Maybe 2" in a few spots. SO it's vitally important to know when to cut grass. Fertilizing. If grass blades are a little taller it will help retain moisture as they will shade the soil better. You can irrigate the area twice a day if it’s a relatively hot day. Overseeding a lawn can bring it back to its former lush landscape. Once the grass seed starts to germinate, continue to keep the top two inches of soil moist until the new grass reaches mowing height (normally between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches). For new grass you want to be sure the grass has reached at least 3 ½ inches in height, if not more, before cutting for the first time. Try to mow your lawn in the middle of the morning when the grass is dry. Add New Grass Seed . A few This means that once germination happens, growth is fairly quick, giving you a nice green lawn surface fairly quickly. 6. A lawn kept right around 3 inches following the ⅓ rule is the perfect height to ensure healthy new growth before cutting again, as well as the added benefit of crowding out unwanted weeds. You can’t overseed a lawn without grass seed! Watering your plants properly is really important. Check the growth of your new grass seed. references North Dakota State University Extension: Fertilizing the … Now, there are some basics that you need to keep in mind before you jump into mowing. This is simply because if the grass has been able to reach this height, it is viable and growing well, and can therefore be cut. Regardless of the time of day, the best time to cut grass after rain is after the grass has completely dried. Many gardeners would agree that the best time to mow is mid-morning as it gives the grass time to recover before night time. It's been pretty damn cool and sunny here (NE - … By: Laura Wallace Henderson 21 September, 2017. 10 posts • Page 1 of 1. nutshellml Posts: 142 Joined: June 20th, 2017, 7:55 pm Location: Northern New Jersey Grass Type: Rye, Fescue, KBG Lawn Size: Not Specified Level: Not Specified. Your email address will not be published. Without doubt, timing is everything when it comes to having a perfectly balanced lawn that is beautiful to look at. How To Water Lawn After Overseeding. We recommend that the ideal height of your grass should be around 5 – 7cm before you cut it, and this goes for all of our grass seed mixtures. Water after application so the nutrients soak into the soil if you are using plain fertilizer, then mow a few days later when the grass is dry. 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