Should I fertilize soil before planting grass seed?

• <div><p>Properly preparing the soil for planting grass seed may include applying fertilizer several weeks before spreading the seed if you plan to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/overseed-lawn-guide.htm">overseed the lawn</a>. However, in most cases involving a brand-new lawn, spreading a starter fertilizer along with the grass seed will give it the best chance of taking root quickly and growing strong. </p></div>

Which lawn treatments are the most important?

• <div><p>Mowing is one of the most important ways to maintain your lawn because it encourages grass to grow horizontally, creating a fuller, more uniform yard. On top of mowing your lawn, you’ll want to routinely fertilize your lawn, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-water-lawn.htm">water it regularly</a>, and take care of pests the moment they arise. </p></div>

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TRUSTED BY NORMAL, IL HOMEOWNERS

4.9
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Verified Reviews for Lawn Irrigation pros in Normal, IL

*The Angi rating for Lawn Irrigation companies in Normal, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lawn Irrigation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Lawn Irrigation companies in Normal, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lawn Irrigation needs.

Last update on May 27, 2022

Reviewed in May 2022
Green Machines came out in the RAIN to mow/trim my yard... I couldn't believe it!! My lawn looks great and I truly appreciate this company's dedication, efficiency, and professionalism to me as a new customer. I highly recommend this company for your lawn care service needs!! Thank you Kris and...
Green Machines Lawn Care
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Reviewed in February 2022
Jimmie, Kathy and their two helpers (Josh and Will I think) were above and beyond any expectation we had when we started looking for someone to install sod in our front yard. Jimmie was prompt, calling minutes after we posted that we needed someone. He was VERY fair with his price, and kept us...
Jimmie Trotter & Company
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Reviewed in July 2021
Hired Corey Construction to mow my lawn and remove a bush. They had some issues arise with the equipment and crew, this caused some delays. However they kept me in the loop threw all. They did get the job done which was a very big job and did a good job.
Corey Construction
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Reviewed in November 2020
Antonio and his helper did an excellent job in cleaning up the yard. after I was given a very fair estimate the job was completed in the next 3 days. I have hired them to maintain the lawn in the future. This team takes great pride in the work they do. This was the first time i used home...
Murillo Lawn Care and Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2020
JV Lawn Care responded promptly to my Home Advisor search to have my lawn mowed. His prices were competitive, the workmanship was excellent, and the payment process was smooth!
JV Lawn Care
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Reviewed in August 2019
We interviewed several service providers for lawn mowing, edging, and trimming. Scott was here when he said he would be. He took time with me to review the work I needed done, provided addresses of other lawns he took care of in the neighborhood. Overall I was impressed. We did in the end choose...
BURKE OUTDOOR SVC
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Find Lawn irrigation specialists in Normal

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Timothy did a fantastic job replacing our toilet in our bathroom. He explained everything as he worked, helped us to get the best pricing possible on the job and was very friendly with my four year olds of daughter who was thrilled to receive an ECO sticker! Timothy went above and beyond to help us today and we will definitely be using ECO Plumbers again!"

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Stanley's Home Improvement

3.3(

)

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a very amazing job with the amount of trees i was needing done, they was very respectful and a very affordable price, my wife also hired then again when they mentioned landscaping and it was outstanding. I will call them again for the trees and landscaping needs next year!"

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Bryan Heitz Landscaping

New to Angi

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Welcome to Bryan Heitz Landscaping. We have been serving the community for the past 20 years. Bryan Heitz Landscaping specializes in all of your landscaping needs along with residential snow removal. We take pride in customer service and believe in getting the job done right the first time and at the right budget. If you want to work with a reliable company then call us today!

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Grieder Sod and Landscaping, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Grieders. Our professional and experienced staff Landscape Architects, Designers and Horticulturists have been serving the Central Illinois and surrounding communities for over 35 years. \nPlease visit our website for more information www.grieders.com\n

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

No handyman in your house, hold well you have one now! Handyman of America has a combined experience of over 75 years in the industry. We are the only company in the Chicago land area that will warranty our work with a one year warranty on all our work no question asked! We will do anything from trimming you trees to re-siding you home. We do it all. Handyman of America will work with you every step of the way from the design to the completion of the job giving you the knowledge and customer service that you deserve. We believe in dealing personally with all of our home owners and also making all of you repeat customers. We look forward to making your home your dream home. Please call for your fair and honest estimate.\n\n

Serving Normal, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We have over 15 years of experience in the handyman business. Here at Handyman Services, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! \nFree estimates!\nCall today and ask for Bruce.\n

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Lawn Irrigation questions, answered by experts

Properly preparing the soil for planting grass seed may include applying fertilizer several weeks before spreading the seed if you plan to overseed the lawn. However, in most cases involving a brand-new lawn, spreading a starter fertilizer along with the grass seed will give it the best chance of taking root quickly and growing strong.

Wait at least three weeks after overseeding ryegrass before breaking out the lawn mower. Mowing sooner will tear up much of the delicate, newly seeded ryegrass as it won't have established strong roots to anchor it yet.

Mowing is one of the most important ways to maintain your lawn because it encourages grass to grow horizontally, creating a fuller, more uniform yard. On top of mowing your lawn, you’ll want to routinely fertilize your lawn, water it regularly, and take care of pests the moment they arise.

Power seeding can be worth it if your existing lawn is looking sparse or patchy. Power seeding can quickly and effectively plant new grass seeds and help grow a thicker lawn. But if your lawn is in pretty good health but could use a little more TLC through dethatching, fertilizing, weeding, or aerating, you may not need to spend money on power seeding costs.

One of the most effective ways to improve lawn absorption is to learn how to aerate your lawn. This is a process where you poke tiny holes all throughout it to break up tough soil and sediment, creating pathways for sunlight, water, air, and nutrients to seep into the plant’s roots. In turn, it promotes stronger root systems, making your lawn or plants less susceptible to pests and disease. Ideally, you’ll want to aerate your lawn at least once per year during the growing season—think late summer to early fall.

The Normal, IL homeowners’ guide to lawn irrigation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Elisa Greenberg
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6 Lawn Irrigation Mistakes Costing You Money
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May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
How Is Over-Irrigation Damaging to Soil? Here’s How to Stop It From Killing Your Lawn
Overwatering your yard can affect the health of your plants by disrupting the underlying soil. So, how is over-irrigation damaging to soil? Let’s take a look.