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Yes, you can use compost on your lawn alongside or even instead of standard fertilizer. Compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter and restores the balance and health of your soil. It also replenishes depleted soil, adding volume as well as nutrients. It's a great alternative to synthetic slow-release fertilizer. And if you compost at home, you can save money by applying your own compost. 

If you use a starter fertilizer designed for this purpose, you can overseed and fertilize at the same time. If you opt to use a fertilizer for established grass or one with a weed control component, it's best to wait at least four to eight weeks after seed application to allow the new grass to take hold and establish itself. 

In most municipalities, landscaping companies require a business license to operate legally, and some require additional licenses, like general contractor licenses. You can use Angi's our contractor licensing tool to confirm if a company in your area holds the necessary licensing. Equally as important as the license is insurance. Before hiring any lawn care company, you should confirm that it is fully insured. This measure protects you from lawsuits, and it also protects the employees in the case of an injury or unemployment.

Speeding up grass seed germination is possible, but it requires quite a bit of extra work and commitment. Keeping the soil moist is key, but here are a few other tried-and-true methods for growing your new grass as quickly as possible:

• Mist grass up to eight times per day to keep the soil moist.

• Purchase a moisture-retaining seed coating for your grass seeds.

• Amend soil that is compacted or in the wrong pH range.

• Choose the right grass seed for your area’s climate and soil conditions.

• Avoid planting on windy days or during periods of extreme rain or drought.