Establishing the Lawn Original PowerPoint Created by Howard Henderson Modified by the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office June 2002

Reasons for Establishing a Lawn They add beauty to the landscape: –A well-kept lawn is very appealing and inviting. They are used as recreational areas: –Baseball, picnics, football, sun bathing, golf, etc… They provide an excellent cover: –They help control erosion and allow movement of air and water to the roots of trees and shrubs in the soil below.

Soil and Grading Consider soil conditions: –Is this an area in which all of the topsoil has been graded? –Is the slope appropriate for a lawn? –Is the drainage adequate? Consider lot grading: –The lot should be graded to slope away from the house. This prevents water from entering the basement.

Soil and Grading continued Spread at least 6” of topsoil over the surface. Till to loosen and break up clods. Slope should not exceed 15% for mowing safety

Proper Drainage Ensures a balance between the air and water in the soil. Encourages proper root growth. Can be established by installing a tile 3’ below the surface to drain the subsoil. The slope of the land can be used to drain surface water away.

Fertilizer A complete fertilizer with high phosphorus content is recommended for establishing new lawns. –Some companies manufacture “starter fertilizers” for new lawns. Prior to applying fertilizer, a soil test must be done to determine the correct level of nutrients to add.

Fertilizer continued The pH level should be between 6.0 and 6.5. Spread the fertilizer in two different directions to aid in proper distribution. Follow up with a hand rake to work the fertilizer into the soil surface.

Starting the Lawn There are three ways to start a lawn: –Seeding –Sodding –Plug or Strip Planting

Selecting Seed Select and purchase a high quality seed in order to establish a high quality lawn. New varieties are being developed constantly for specific conditions.

Selecting Seed continued Lawn grass seed is required to have the following information on the label: –Name –Purity –Percent of Germination –Other Crop –Inert Matter –Weed Seed –Noxious Weeds –Year Tested –Company Name

Seeding the Lawn There are several steps involved in seeding a lawn: –Sowing the seed –Covering the seed –Mulching –Firming the seed –Watering

Sodding Sod is grass and roots in a thin layer of soil which is removed from the areas in strips. Sodding is very expensive, so should only be done on steep slopes or where coverage is needed immediately.

Plug or Strip Planting Plug Planting: the planting of small plugs or blocks of sod at measured intervals. Strip Planting: the planting of strips of sod end to end in rows that are 1 foot apart.

Reference Introductory Horticulture Fourth Edition H. Edward Reiley & Carroll L. Shry, Jr.