In Arizona, the best time to re-seed your lawn is the first half of October. During this time, the temperature is cool enough to allow young grass to grow well. However, lawns that have recently been seeded require a lot of care to encourage the seeds to germinate and the young sprouts to thrive. Landscapers recommend taking the following steps.
Watering the Lawn
As soon as the grass seeds become wet for the first time, they must not be allowed to dry out. They need continuous moisture in order to germinate properly. Every day, you should water each section of the lawn for at least 10 to 15 minutes, or until the water dampens the soil to a depth of one-quarter inch. You’ll need to water twice daily if the temperature is over 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can cut your watering in half as soon as the seedlings emerge. This generally takes two to four weeks.
Preventing Disturbances to the Lawn
It’s acceptable to walk on the seeded areas if you need to move sprinklers. However, you should avoid walking in these areas for any other reason. In addition, do not rake or otherwise remove the straw that is covering the seeds. Over time, the straw will decompose.
Mowing and Trimming the Lawn
You may begin mowing the lawn when the grass reaches three to four inches in height. Avoid mowing too close to the earth; remove only about one-third of the vegetation. In addition, be careful not to make sharp turns with a riding mower, as the tires can damage the fragile lawn. Wait to trim the edges of the lawn with a weed eater until the grass seedlings are at least four inches tall.
Newly seeded or sodded lawns can be tricky to care for, which is why so many homeowners in the Tucson area put their trust in the experienced pros at Complete Landscaping. We also work with HOAs, providing landscape design, installation, and maintenance services. Call our staff in Tucson at (520) 323-8918 to request a quote.