Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Lawn Establishment

Bulletin 546

Authors

William Pound, Extension Agronomist
John Street, Extension Agronomist

A good lawn can be established by closely following the basic rules for seeding or sodding. Careful attention to detail will help insure success of the new turfgrass. The following steps are essential in developing a new lawn:

  1. Control perennial weeds such as quackgrass, tall fescue and bentgrass.
  2. Remove existing sod. Modify the soil if necessary.
  3. Rough grade the lawn area. Allow the soil to settle and regrade, if necessary.
  4. Have soil tested. Apply corrective quantities of fertilizer and lime, if needed.
  5. Rototill or otherwise till the soil 3 to 6 inches deep.
  6. Remove stones, wood and other debris from the top 3 to 6 inches of the soil.
  7. Allow soil to settle, or firm with a heavy roller.
  8. Apply starter fertilizer and rake it in while removing stones, trash, and other foreign material. Fill in any small depressions that are present.
  9. Seed or sod-if sod, ignore items 10 and 11.
  10. Rake lightly-let some seed remain on surface.
  11. Mulch.
  12. Roll lightly.
  13. Irrigate. Surface must be kept moist until seedlings establish.

Contents

Copyright © The Ohio State University 1991

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.

TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

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