A Cut Above the Rest

By Mark Bigej

OK, I admit that some people might think of me as a little competitive. I can easily turn any project into a competition or a challenge, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, right? Many projects have gotten done in record time due to my competitive nature. This past fall was no exception when I moved to a new home and had the challenge of installing a new irrigation system and seeding the lawn before the winter rains hit. I knew the challenge was on! Could I get my lawn seeded before my neighbors got rid of their piles of mulch? Could my grass look greener and more weed free than Louie’s to the left of us?

While this experience is still vividly etched into my mind, I would like to share with you some important tips and tricks that I have learned over the years (and most recently first hand) on how to create and maintain a gorgeous lawn in the fall.

Tips for Creating a New Lawn This Fall:
The best time to seed a new lawn in the Northwest is in the Fall.  The warm fall weather helps the grass seed germinate and the winter rains help get your lawn established before the warmer days of summer hit.  Here are my tips on seeding a new lawn that will bring you years of enjoyment.

1. Proper preparation of the soil is the first step in creating a healthy lawn.  Have the soil tested before you get started.  A healthy lawn likes a pH of around 6.0 to 7.5.  If your soil is highly acidic, add lime. If the soil is more on the alkaline side (above pH 8.0), you need to add sulfur to the soil.

2. Next, rake the soil smooth and remove any lumps or bumps in the area. Use a steel rake to create a finished grade sloping slightly away from the house.

3. Roll the entire lawn bed with a roller (available from rental companies) to firm it up, them water it lightly to settle the area.

4. Choose a grass seed that is appropriate for your area and your needs. In the Northwest, Perennial Rye Grass is an excellent choice and comes in a sun and shade mix.

5. For best results, use a ‘whirly-bird’ hand crank operated seed spreader to sow your seed.  Sow ¼ of your seed (at ¼ the recommended rate) to the entire lawn area. Repeat three more applications like this, each in a different direction. Rake the seed lightly into the soil and then use an empty lawn roller to set the seed in good contact with the soil.

6. Water the entire area thoroughly with a fine mist. Once the seed is planted, make sure the soil is kept evenly moist until germination. After the seeds germinate, you can water more heavily, but less often. Do not overwater and do not use a strong spray…you don’t want to drown the seed or wash it away.

7. In the spring when it is time to mow, use a sharp blade so that you get a clean cut and do not cut the grass below 2 to 2 ½ inches. After the first mowing, you can apply a high nitrogen, turf fertilizer at one half the recommended application rate on the bag.  Water immediately to prevent any burn.

Oh, and by the way, I did get my irrigation system in and my grass seeded before the neighbors got rid of their piles of mulch, just
in case you were wondering.