Should I Consider Lawn Seeding in the Fall?

When fall arrives in Springfield, IL, it is one of the best times of year to seed your lawn. The cool air mixing with the warm soil creates the best time to plant grass seed, allowing your new grass root to thrive before winter strikes. Custom Taylor’d Lawn & Landscape can provide you with grass-seeding services in order to help you grow a beautiful lawn. Below are some helpful tips for planting and growing your grass seed this fall.

Preparing The Soil

One of the first and most crucial measures before seeding is to ensure that your soil is correctly prepared to allow your grass seed to grow healthy and thrive. First, clear away any debris, such as wood or rocks, from the area where you intend to plant the seeds. The soil should then be tilled to provide good drainage. The last step in soil preparation is to level the ground and fill any sunken spots. Once this is complete, you are ready to move on to the next step.

Choosing the Perfect Seeds

When choosing a grass seed for your lawn, you will want to pick one that will thrive in the Springfield, IL area. With fluctuating temperatures, you will want to find grass that will withstand the extreme weather we face. The three types of grasses that grow the best in the midwestern cool fall climate are Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass. When it comes to grass seeds, each one has its own set of options. Fine Fescue grows well in poor soil, Perennial Ryegrass grows quickly, and Kentucky Bluegrass requires little upkeep.

Planting Your Grass Seed

After you’ve prepared your soil and selected a grass seed, you can start planting it. When planting your grass seed, distribute it evenly in small areas by hand or with a hand-held spreader for larger areas. When you start seeding, make sure not to spread the seeds too close together because this will cause them to compete for space and nutrients, causing the grass to grow weak or thin in these areas. After you’ve spread the seed, use a garden rake to work in the seed lightly.

Watering Tips

After you’ve planted your grass seeds, make sure to properly water them so your lawn’s grass grows full and healthy. You should water the grass seed lightly at least once a day. Within two weeks of seeding, your grass should begin to sprout. When you notice the grass starting to grow, continue watering it until it has grown about a half-inch. Once the grass is tall enough to mow, you can cut back to once-a-week watering. For more information or assistance with seeding your lawn, contact Custom Taylor’d Lawn & Landscape by calling 217.306.4215.