Establishing Grass Seed: How to Care for New Seed in the First Two Months
- South Central Landscapes
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Takeaways:
Consistency is Key: The first 6-8 weeks determine long-term lawn health.
Watering correctly matters most: it's not just about watering frequency.
A new lawn can serve as the finishing touch in a landscape, but those first two months are critical. Use our care tips to help establish grass seed so it takes root and thrives for years to come.
When is the Best Time to Establish a New Lawn & Overseed?
In the greater Madison, Wisconsin area the ideal timeframe is usually around August 15 to September 15.
The second best time is typically around April 15 to May 15.mIf planting in the spring, you'll want to wait until soil temperatures reach a consistent 50-60+ degrees. Be mindful of any late spring cold snaps.
These time periods are ideal because soil temperatures are warm enough – promoting fast seed germination – and air temperatures are cooler, which is better for growth.
What if you miss these timeframes? No biggie. You can still plant seed and install sod during the height of summer. Beware that you'll really need to keep on top of watering, however.
Grass Seed – Establishment from the Ground Up
Starting from seed is starting from scratch – it takes patience. The best time to plant new grass seed in the Madison, Wisconsin area is around
Here's what matters most:
1) Watering: New seed needs consistent moisture to germinate – water immediately after spreading. This step is important as it will assist in "setting" the grass seed and prevent washout.
Water lightly 2-3 times per day for the first 2-3 weeks. Keep the top 1" of soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Don't let seed dry out – it'll inhibit the germination process.
Once germination begins, reduce to once daily, increasing the amount of water so it soaks 1-2" deep.
By week 5-6, shift to deeper, less frequent watering (every 2-3 days) to encourage deeper roots.
Avoid overwatering – standing water can suffocate seedlings and cause mold.
A big caveat? If you're planting during the height of the summer heat, more frequent watering will be required.
Grass seed requires a germination period of 7-21 days. If you don't see growth activity after 21 days, you'll need to add more seed. It might've eroded away, blown away, or served as breakfast for the neighborhood birds.
2) Mowing: Wait until the grass reaches 4-6" tall, and ensure the soil is dry before you start. New turf may not require mowing for up to 2 months if the growing process is slow. When you do mow:
Use sharp blades.
Only remove 1/3 of the blade height per cut. Avoid scalping grass in the first year.
After 4-5 mows, the new turf can be treated like a regularly established lawn.
3) Fertilization: A starter fertilizer high in phosphorus supports root growth early on. After the grass is established, switch to a balanced fertilizer to sustain growth.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don't water late at night. Turf that is wet during cool or humid evenings is more susceptible to foliar disease. Watering during daylight hours will allow the blade's surface to dry, which will mitigate the development of fungal spores.
Refrain from walking on it until establishment. Keep kids, pets and equipment off of the new lawn for at least a month. Even light pressure can damage young sprouts before they fully root.
Put down the weed killer! It's tempting to treat weeds right away, but don't. Using herbicides too early on immature grass can injure and kill a new lawn. Wait at least 8-10 weeks before applying weed control products.
How Long Until I Have a Luscious Lawn?
New turf requires a great deal of attention and patience. Expect a waiting period of 2-3 years to fully establish a solid lawn.
Year One: Expect grass coverage of around 50% – primarily single, straight blades.
Year Two: Grass coverage should be about 80-90% and may require overseeding. Rhizomes will fill in the remaining voids to form a solid, dense lawn, so long as proper care is provided.
Year Three: Grass coverage should be about 100% assuming overseeding, fertilizing and proper watering was afforded in prior years.
What Seed Mix is Recommended?
Here at South Central Landscapes, we typically use the Madison Parks seed mix for homes in Dane County, Wisconsin.
If you need to buy some, give us a call and we can recommended some local retailers. You can't buy the good stuff at big box stores.
About South Central Landscapes LLC
We're a landscape contractor serving the greater Madison, Wisconsin area with a specialty focus on hardscapes & outdoor living – including retaining & seating walls, paver patios & walkways, fire features, fiberglass & Soake swimming pools, water management solutions & more.
Does your home need a new lawn, or perhaps a full backyard renovation? Our experts have the experience and know-how to get the job done right. Learn more about us, view our project portfolio & request a quote on our website: www.sclandscapeswi.com.
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