FROM THE FIELD: Fall Seeding Tips and Tricks

The fall season is an excellent time to seed because soil and air temperatures are ideal for fast seed germination. The warm soil temperature along with warm days and cool nights are perfect conditions for seed germination.

Purpose. The first step in seed preparation is to determine the site’s purpose. For example, will the turf be used for aesthetic purposes, sports or athletic purposes, or as a play area or buffer area, or does the site need erosion control? Determining site use will help in selecting the correct seed for the job.
 
Then consider other factors such as whether the site receives full sun or shade, needs insect and disease resistance, needs wear and drought tolerances, has color and texture desires from the client or has drainage or irrigation concerns.
  
Preparation. Next is the seedbed preparation.
 
A soil test determines what will need to be done to ensure success in the entire seeding operation. A soil test indicates what amendments need to be applied to the soil along with fertilizer requirements during and after turf establishment.

The next step is actual preparation of the seedbed. All existing vegetation should be sprayed to eliminate established weeds. Once the weeds are eliminated, rototilling of the soil ensures good soil to seed contact. Rototilling should be performed to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

Additional top soil may be needed to fill in low areas or build up the overall area to an acceptable grade.
 
Once the area has been tilled and the “rough grade” has been established, allow the soil to settle for awhile prior to completing the finished grade. Once the finished grade is completed, starter fertilizer (18-24-12) should be applied at a rate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square feet.

Seeding. Next, apply the seed. It is best to apply seed in low rates in multiple directions to ensure good distribution. It is extremely important to apply seed at the recommended rates.

After the seed and fertilizer have been applied, a light raking will be required to incorporate the seed and fertilizer into the soil. This helps establish the final grade for the project.

Mulching. The final step in the seeding process is mulching. Mulching lightly over the top of the seedbed maintains water/moisture for improved and faster germination. Different  mulching material is available but it is important to use a weed-free material to minimize weed competition in the seedbed.

Irrigation. Irrigation is an extremely important step to a successful lawn. Seedlings need to be kept moist, but not overly saturated. On the other hand, seed is very susceptible to desiccation, therefore it is important to not let the seedbed dry out.

Consistent light watering of the seedbed should be performed to keep the seed moist. Once the seed has germinated, watering should be altered to less frequent  and deeper watering practices to encourage deep root growth.

Fertilization. During establishment, it is best to apply another application of starter fertilizer four weeks after the initial lawn installation at a rate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square feet.
 
Once the lawn is established, a standard lawn program can be assembled based on the soil test results.

J.B. Toorish and Brian Kelley are part of LESCO’s Tech Services Department. They can be reached at fromthefield@gie.net or at 800/321-5325 ext. 6150 to answer technical questions.