You have been putting a little money aside every week, so you would have a “play fund” when the weather warmed up. Plus, if you listened to moving advice everyone gave you about comparing quotes then you may have even taken the money you saved from that expense and hid it away to spend on your lawn. One of the first things people notice about your house is your lawn. If you have a yard full of patchy grass while your neighbors all have a lush, green, velvety-looking lawn you are going to stand out from all the rest. Grass seed is probably right at the top of your shopping list, but do you know what you are doing with it? Learn how to increase the value of your home when moving via your lawn below!
Patching Bare Spots
Before you start repairing bare spots it is helpful to determine the cause. In many cases, this may be impossible since you just moved in. However, if it is a high-traffic area, you will continue to have this problem as people walk on it. Consider using pavers to create a walkway to guide people around it. If it is patchy all over you will want to determine if insects, weeds, or diseases are to blame. Was it an unusually hot and dry last season? Maybe it was from drought. You do not have to find the answer but you may find it helpful in the future.
The best time to patch your lawn is when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a tiller or garden fork to loosen the soil and remove any weeds, sticks, rocks, or dead grass on the spot.
Spread your grass seed over the bare area so the patch is evenly covered, but do not make the layer so thick that you can’t see the ground beneath the seed. If you apply too much seed then the seedlings will not get the water and nutrients they need to flourish.
Water deeply and thoroughly the first time. If you use a quality seed it will likely contain an absorbent material that will help retain water so the seeds do not dry out. Water until they stop absorbing it.
You want to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are 2 inches tall, so water daily, or as needed during this time.
Overseeding Your Entire Lawn
If you need an entire lawn it is best to lay sod. However, if you have a full lawn, but it is really thin and perhaps accompanied by patches then overseeding can help give it a facelift.
Make sure you choose a high-quality seed that is recommended for your climate, soil, and growing conditions. There is seed specifically made for shade, sun, high traffic, etc. If you are not sure, ask someone at the nursery what they recommend.
Mow the lawn short, using a grass catcher. If you do not have one, then rake the clippings. You may need to aerate the lawn if the ground is compacted. This will better allow moisture to penetrate deeper.
Distribute the seeds using a spreader. You may want to also use a starter fertilizer to encourage growth. Water thoroughly and continue to water for two weeks.
You will have a beautiful lawn that will improve the curb appeal of your home. Now it is time to invite over all those people who gave you moving advice but have not been over to check out the house yet.