Your new seed lawn should germinate in 7-14 days. Germination is dependent on
air/soil temperatures and moisture. Water should be applied so as to keep the
seed damp. People, children, and pets must be kept off the new lawn until after
the first mowing (approximately 4-6 weeks). Sprinklers should be set to run for
a few minutes, 2-3 times per day. Remember the new seed must be kept moist to
germinate, but do not soak so as to drown it. If you see "puddling" occur, there
is too much water being applied. See our Watering Guide for Your New Lawn and
Landscape for complete details.
When your new seed lawn has reached a height of 3" set the irrigation controller so the new lawn is not watered for two days in a row. On the second non-watering day, mow your new lawn with your mower set on the highest cutting height. Then mow again in the opposite direction at the normal height of 2 1/2" (bag and remove clippings). Resume your watering schedule. Continue mowing on a weekly basis making sure that you suspend watering so that your lawn is dry the day that you cut it. During the year, leaves and debris may fall on the new lawn; be sure to rake and remove debris weekly. Debris that is left on the lawn will kill grass, leaving dead patches and inviting pest problems.
Fertilize your new seed lawn after you have cut it four times. After that we recommend fertilizing 4 times per year, adding weed control with two applications. You may notice weed grasses in you new lawn. Broadleaf weeds can be a problem in a new seed lawn. If broadleaf weeds are a problem, treat the lawn with a "weed & feed" with the second application of fertilizer.
Pests can become a problem in your new lawn. Pests can be molds, fungi, insects or weeds and all must be treated differently. These pests can invade a new seed lawn while is still young and vulnerable. Regular mowing, fertilizing and proper watering techniques should prevent most problems. We recommend an IPM approach to pest management to protect both your landscape and the environment. You should contact Horizon immediately if you notice any abnormalities.