Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Sanostee, NM

Unfortunately, no. Grass seeds need a lot of moisture until they become sprouts, so this is an especially sensitive time. While they'll dry out if they get dehydrated, over-watering creates other problems. The grass seeds don't recover because they can just wash away or even rot, making for low germination rates. The ones that do germinate after being pushed under the soil may start to sprout only to die from lack of sunlight.

The amount of time it takes for grass to germinate varies depending on the grass species. Even after germination, it’s going to take a while to see grass blades start emerging from soil. Some grasses germinate quickly and emerge after several days of growth (and healthy watering). Others may take up to three weeks to show themselves. Cool-season grasses tend to take the longest to germinate at one month.

Morning and late afternoon are the best times for watering new grass seed. The seed gets a healthy balance of water and sunlight, and the excess water evaporates. If you water the grass long after the sun goes down, the air is too cold, and there's no sun to make excess water evaporate. This keeps the grass damp for too long, increasing the chances of over-watering.

Properly secured bird netting is the best option to cover your grass seed with. It creates a minor moisture barrier that can help seeds sprout, and it’s a great way to keep birds away from your seeds. A cheaper, lower-maintenance option is hay or mulch, but these can change the look of your lawn and require cleanup in the case of straw.