Planting a New Lawn
This newly seeded lawn area has been mulched with straw.
Once the site is prepared and the proper grasses have been chosen, it's time to plant the lawn. The decision whether to seed or sod involves a number of factors. Assuming planting is done properly, the end result of a healthy lawn should be the same.
Timing is critical to assure success when seeding lawns. Mid August to early September is the ideal time for seeding lawns in northern Illinois. April would be a second choice. Seeding in late spring through mid-summer often leads to problems. Dormant seeding, occasionally done by professional groundskeepers, is difficult and thus not suggested for homeowners. Seeding rates are found below. Exceeding rates may result in weak, spindly seedlings and potential disease development. Newly seeded grasses must receive adequate moisture to assure germination and early seedling survival. Putting down a light straw mulch can help prevent rapid drying and helps keep the soil in place until grasses are established. Use about 1 bale per 1,000 square feet.
Suggested Seeding Rates for Lawn Grasses
| Species in Seed Mix | Rate (pounds/1,000 sq.ft.) |
| Kentucky bluegrass blend | 1 to 3 |
| Kentucky bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix (80:20) | 3 to 4 |
| Kentucky bluegrass/fine fescue mix (50:50) | 3 to 5 |
| Tall fescue blend | 6 to 9 |
When sodding, purchase quality sod that has been freshly cut. Try to use sod that has been grown on a similar type of soil as exists on the site; most of northern Illinois has mineral soils so try to get sod grown on mineral soil. Install promptly. Stagger edges in a similar pattern as laying bricks. Avoid stretching sod or gaps between pieces of sod.
New sod should be watered thoroughly after installation, and then frequently until the sod is established. Water should go down through the sod to moisten the soil underneath for good root development. Mow newly sodded lawns on a regular basis so that no more than one third of the grass height is removed in a single mowing. A height between 2 and 3 inches is suggested. Core aerify a sodded lawn after the sod has firmly rooted to the soil. Don't fertilize newly sodded lawns until the next suggested time in the normal fertilizing schedule; May and September are key times. Avoid over-applying nitrogen fertilizer, especially in spring or summer.
