Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Black Rock, NM

Aerating a lawn before seeding it or adding new grass seed is a smart decision. By loosening up compact soil and allowing it to take in more air and water, your seeds will have an easier time establishing roots and growing. Aerating beforehand also means your seeds will have better contact with the soil, so more of your seeds have a chance to germinate. If you do plan to aerate your lawn before seeding, aerate about two days before you plan to start seeding.

Having a luscious lawn won’t take a century to grow with hydroseeding—most hydroseed lawns sprout within 7 to 14 days. Once the new grass is about 4 inches tall, which is about six weeks after the installation, it’s ready to mow. After the initial mow, keep foot traffic at a minimum for another four weeks to solidify the rooting system.

The best grass type for shady areas depends on your region, your preferences, and your yard’s microclimate. Overall, the best cool-season grass for shade is ryegrass or tall fescue, while the best warm-season grass for shade is St. Augustine. But again, this can depend on what you’re looking for in the grass. The best grass for your shady yard might be one that looks good to you, one that tolerates high foot traffic, or grass with other characteristics that make it fit your lawn needs. 

For optimal results, water newly planted grass seed at least twice a day—once in the morning and again in the late afternoon. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist for the first two weeks, but be careful not to overwater or flood the seeds. After about two weeks, you can reduce the frequency to once per day. Always monitor weather conditions and adjust your watering schedule accordingly; for instance, you won't need to water as much if it rains.