Q: Will grass seed grow if I throw it down?

• <div><p>While it&rsquo;s possible to grow grass seeds by throwing them down, this isn&rsquo;t the best way to plant them. By amending and prepping the soil beforehand, you&rsquo;re providing optimal contact between seed and soil for a better chance at germination. If you throw them down without preparing the soil beforehand, seeds are more likely to blow away, get eaten by hungry birds, or never grow.</p></div>

Question 1

Will grass seed grow if I throw it down?

Accepted Answer

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While it’s possible to grow grass seeds by throwing them down, this isn’t the best way to plant them. By amending and prepping the soil beforehand, you’re providing optimal contact between seed and soil for a better chance at germination. If you throw them down without preparing the soil beforehand, seeds are more likely to blow away, get eaten by hungry birds, or never grow.

Question 2

Will grass germinate in the shade?

Accepted Answer

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Shade-tolerant grass seed still needs between four and six hours of sun to germinate, and many types require a little extra care to thrive. However, it is possible to plant new grass seed in shaded areas when you choose the right variety.

Question 3

Do lawn care or mowing companies need to be licensed?

Accepted Answer

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In most municipalities, lawn care and mowing companies require at least a business license to operate legally. However, requirements can vary by location, and some areas mandate that landscaping companies be licensed, insured, and bonded, or even hold a general contractor license. Before hiring any lawn service, confirm they are fully insured. This protects you from liability for injuries on your property and also protects the company's employees. You can use Angi's state license lookup tool to verify a company's licensing status in your area.

Question 4

Can you hydroseed over existing or old grass?

Accepted Answer

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While hydroseeding is designed for bare soil, it is possible to apply it over an existing lawn with certain adjustments. For the new seed to be successful, it needs good seed-to-soil contact to germinate and take root. Without proper preparation, most of the new seed will fail to establish and will die. To hydroseed over existing grass, first mow the lawn as low as possible, then loosen and clear any exposed soil. It is also recommended to use a finer mulch mixture in the hydroseed spray, which helps the seeds penetrate the existing turf and reach the soil without suffocating the established grass.

Question 5

How long can grass seed be stored and still germinate?

Accepted Answer

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When stored under ideal conditions, grass seed lasts anywhere from 10 to 18 months from the testing date without any real decrease in the germination rate. You can still use the seeds after this timeframe, but the germination rates drop 10% to 20% each year.

If you’re just embarking on an overseeding project, using seeds that have been in storage for a few years isn’t too big of a deal. However, if you’re planning on redoing your entire landscape, your best bet for a healthy, luscious lawn is to use new seeds.