Any tips on replanting grass?

[blurredvision]

The city has been installing a new sewer line through my neighborhood, and they seem to be just about done. The are about ready to blacktop the road (thank god, I'm absolutely tired of the dust), and it's time to replant some grass on the half of my yard that they dug up. Thing is, I know nothing about replanting the stuff.

My plan was to use my dad's tiller (assuming a tiller is the official name of what I'm thinking of), buying some grass seed and fertilizer, and just going to town on the dirt. Should I work the top 3 inches of soil, then lay out the seed and fertilizer with a spreader, or should I work in the seed while working the soil? Do I need a coating of hay like I always see, or can I get away without that?

Thanks for any tips that will get me going. I've always read that planting grass in the fall is the best time to do it. This area is underneath a large tree that will cover the area in leaves over the next few weeks....will this hurt the growth any? How often should I water?

 

[bctbct]

The city should be replacing it for you.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

till, then spread seed. no fertilizer. water daily. if the area gets a lot of shade, you need shade-friendly seed. if you are worried rain or birds will carry away the seed, throw down hay. hay will also help retain moisture after you water.

btw, usually the city will seed after they do work, so you may call them and see if they plan to.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: bctbct
The city should be replacing it for you.

agreed, they screwed up your lawn, they should be taking care of it.

 

[blurredvision]

Hmmm, ok, I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks, I was getting ready to go to Lowe's and buy the stuff, but since I won't be doing anything until later this week, I'll hold off on it.

 

[Strk]

You should use starter fertilizer, just not regular fertilizer.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
till, then spread seed. no fertilizer. water daily. if the area gets a lot of shade, you need shade-friendly seed. if you are worried rain or birds will carry away the seed, throw down hay. hay will also help retain moisture after you water.

btw, usually the city will seed after they do work, so you may call them and see if they plan to.

Exactly.
This will work.
:thumbsup:

 

[imported_Imp]

Just buy some new sod.

I replanted about 60 square feet of grass over the summer with seeds and it was a b!tch. If you use seed, you really need a LOT of fertilizer. I tried planting without it on some spots, and I got about 2 blades grow out of 100 seeds. Even with fertilizer, theres a lot of "bald" spots. You'll probably have to replant it a few times regardless. At least they already loosened the soil for you.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
till, then spread seed. no fertilizer. water daily. if the area gets a lot of shade, you need shade-friendly seed. if you are worried rain or birds will carry away the seed, throw down hay. hay will also help retain moisture after you water.

Excellent advice. :thumbsup:

As a result of what happened in this thread, I had to reseed an area of lawn last spring. I did almost exactly what you recommended here.

The key is to keep the ground moist, but not saturated.
You'll be surprised how fast it fills in.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: Imp
Just buy some new sod.

I replanted about 60 square feet of grass over the summer with seeds and it was a b!tch. If you use seed, you really need a LOT of fertilizer. I tried planting without it on some spots, and I got about 2 blades grow out of 100 seeds. Even with fertilizer, theres a lot of "bald" spots. You'll probably have to replant it a few times regardless. At least they already loosened the soil for you.

Only if your soil sucks.

I used no fertilizer and had no bald spots after 2 months or so.

 

[sager66]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
The are about ready to blacktop the road (thank god, I'm absolutely tired of the dust), and it's time to replant some grass on the half of my yard that they dug up.

Hopefully they used tamped gravel to backfill the road trench, but most likely only used dirt in your yard trench which will settle over time. Mounding the trench dirt often helps.

 

[Squisher]

Another vote for no fertilizer or that starter fertilizer used sparingly.

I use peat moss as a mulch rather than hay. A 1/4" layer completely shades the ground and forms into almost a piece of cardboard. I figure it'll decompose and enrich the soil.

You'll want to wait until it's the right time to plant the variety you're buying. Check the directions. Around here in zone 5, the grass we buy likes 70- 60 degree days and 50-40 degree nights.

But, yeah, check with the city first.

 

[FoBoT]

you must put some cover or else it is a waste of time
just dumping seeds by themselves doesn't work
hay is usually the cheapest