Q: Can you just throw grass seed on an existing lawn?

• <div><p>Throwing grass seed on existing lawn isn&rsquo;t likely to germinate, grow roots, or become healthy grass. You need to prep the soil, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/fertilizing-101-yard-and-garden.htm">spread fertilizer</a> with your seed, and sow the seed into the soil. Water the seed every day for two weeks to ensure it germinates and grows roots. Be sure to stay off the area and wait to mow until it reaches optimal height.</p></div>

Question 1

How do you make yard waste decompose faster?

Accepted Answer

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There are several ways to decompose yard waste quickly. The first step is to move all debris into a compost bin or pile. From there, microorganisms, bacteria, and insects will break down the yard waste into compost. To speed things up, shred the waste into smaller pieces, add live worms to the pile, or introduce nitrogen-rich compost accelerators like grass clippings, coffee grounds, and manure. Turn the compost over every few days. This process, called aerating, allows oxygen to get in and accelerate decomposition.

Question 2

Can you just throw grass seed on an existing lawn?

Accepted Answer

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Throwing grass seed on existing lawn isn’t likely to germinate, grow roots, or become healthy grass. You need to prep the soil, spread fertilizer with your seed, and sow the seed into the soil. Water the seed every day for two weeks to ensure it germinates and grows roots. Be sure to stay off the area and wait to mow until it reaches optimal height.

Question 3

Is it better to power rake or aerate?

Accepted Answer

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Raking only moves soil, leaves, and debris around on the surface. Aerating your lawn addresses compacted soil. Core aeration loosens up the soil, which makes it healthier and creates more verdant grass from the richer nutrients and stronger root systems that develop. Raking only provides short-term benefits, while aeration creates higher-quality soil and grass growth in the long term. Rake or dethatch before aerating for a bigger benefit to your lawn.

Question 4

How do I maintain my sodded yard?

Accepted Answer

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When your sod is new, you should keep an eye on it to prevent dehydration. As new sod plants its roots into the soil beneath it, it can easily get dehydrated and start to turn brown. Keeping a consistent watering schedule for your new sod will help prevent this issue and will help it thrive as it roots into your yard.

Once your sod is about six weeks old, you can start to establish a regular lawn maintenance routine, complete with mowing, edging, and fertilizing.

Question 5

What fall lawn prep should I do for spring?

Accepted Answer

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In the fall, you should aerate the soil, overseed the bare spots, kill weeds, mow the lawn low, and rake your leaves. By boosting your lawn’s health in the fall, your grass will be stronger throughout the winter and come back healthier in the spring. You should also trim your perennials so that they withstand the winter and are ready for new growth in the spring.