First time seeding a new lawn and just found this subreddit, I would appreciate any tips or anything to help me have a nice lawn for my kids to play on. Quick chat gpt said my zone is Zone 9a/ 9b. I tilled and attempted to level and then seeded on Oct 5th. I have attached pictures of what the lawn looks like today. I planted Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue . I did not spay pre emergent. I did use a local landscaping yard for my compost to lightly cover the seed and 2 days later I spread a starter fertilizer. I do see that I have some clover, nutsedge and what I’m assuming is a broadleaf weed? When should I attempt my first mow? And what do I need to do moving forward? I apologize if this has been posted already, like I said I’m new to this and appreciate any and all help. Thank you!
by 08TheBayBombers80
9 Comments
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So cute. Almost like you planned it that way.
Mow it now down to 2-2.5”
That some beautiful germination. Great job!
I would mow it but not cut too short at once. It’s not clear exactly how tall it is but taken 3/4 to an inch off, then in a couple days repeat. The cutting stimulates growth and spread. You also don’t want it real tall in the winter if you get snow in your area. The grass laying down under the weight of snow is not good for it. I mow my tall fescue down to just under 3 inches before winter. Most weeds will be dying off in the winter so I would wait until spring to start on those.
You are behind the 8 ball here since you did not spray preemergent ( tenacity ) when you seeded. And you haven’t been out there pulling weed sprouts as soon as they emerge, when the number was smaller and more manageable. But as far as desirable turf things look great, all the other prep has paid off.
Fire up the mower and take it down, knock off 1/3 of the average height whatever that is. This will take the heads off the clover and stunt their growth while encouraging tillering and lateral growth of your desirable turf grass. After your grass has matured a bit and mowed at least 3 times it will be safe to apply a product like Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer according to label to eliminate any weeds.
Congrats on your success, next year if you overseed look into higher quality seed, if you look at the tag of the seed you put down a small but successful percentage of what you spread was weed seed. Better seed producers have better blends of Cultivars with 0% weed seed. Again, good work
Broad leaf weed killer will take care of the clover
I mix clover intentionally, makes the grass a touch more dog tolerant.
If u would’ve sprayed pre emergent how would the seeds germinate?