Yes, newly seeded lawns need to be fertilized with a high phosphorous fertilizer (such as 18-24-12) to aid in quick, vigorous germination along with root growth. Starter fertilizer applications should be done at the same time as seeding and then repeated two weeks later to encourage continued seed germination. After two more weeks, your lawn should be fertilized regularly with a slow-release, nitrogen-based fertilizer.

Most likely, the brown spots you are seeing are not related to a lack of water. During the summer months, grubs and fungus can attack the lawn when it is stressed from the heat. If the issue is fungus, extra watering is only going to make the problem worse. Grubs and fungus both need to be treated immediately to limit damage to your lawn. These are common problems and can be controlled fairly easily. If you notice these issues, give us a call to evaluate the situation.

New sod should be mowed two weeks after it has been installed. We recommend that newly seeded lawns are mowed two weeks after the grass reaches one inch tall.

It is a good rule of thumb to wait at least four hours to water your grass after a fertilizer application. If weeds were sprayed, the weed killer could be accidentally washed away. You should also check the paperwork left behind by the applicator for any additional or special instructions.

We recommend you wait at least 24 hours after a fertilizer application to mow. Sometimes the fertilizer pellets will set on top of the leaf blades for a short period before working their way down to the ground so mowing could accidentally remove the fertilizer.