Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Nesmith, SC

This depends on the type of grass seed, as some types do better in different environmental conditions. Cool-season grasses go dormant during the summer months when the soil temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once exposed to regular doses of heat, the germination rates decline, with seedling death not far behind. 

As for warm-season seeds, they come from tropical parts of the world and thrive in heat. They actively grow in warm air temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and they prefer soil temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures dip and frost rolls in, if you don’t store them properly, warm-season grass seeds will die quickly.

Sod is different from grass because it comes in thick layers of mature grass, roots, and soil for quick transportation and easy installation. This is different from seeding your lawn, which involves directly laying grass seeds into the ground. Grass seeds take approximately 30 days to begin germinating and up to 18 months to reach maturity, whereas sod comes ready to go.

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.

Yes, it's common for lawns to look bare after dethatching. Dethatching brings soil to the surface to create a "bald" look on your lawn. While you may choose to patch or reseed your lawn if bare patches seem excessive, it's normal for a lawn to look bare after dethatching. With the layer of debris that was blocking water, nutrients, and air from reaching your grass now gone, your lawn is likely to grow better than ever.