Aeration & Seeding Preparation and Watering Instructions for Fescue.
Prep for clients who currently do use PGA Lawn Care’s Lawn Maintenance Services:
Water the lawn a couple of days in advance so we get good plugs pulled.
Mark all irrigation heads with any flags, stakes, or plastic utensils so we do not hit them.
Mark any fiber or invisible dog fence lines, spray paint will do.
Prep for clients who currently do not use PGA Lawn Care’s Lawn Maintenance Services:
Cut the grass shorter by around two inches or lower this weekend before our arrival.
Please bag your clippings so there is not any debris on the lawn.
Water the lawn a couple of days in advance so we get good plugs pulled.
Mark all irrigation heads with any flags, stakes, or plastic utensils so we do not hit them.
Mark any fiber or invisible dog fence lines, spray paint will do.
Any dead areas need to be raked or scratched for the best seed to soil contact.
Any thin or bare areas after we seed should be covered with a light layer of peat moss.
Before & After Germination
Before Germination
Prior to germination, you must keep the seed moist for the first couple of weeks. This will allow it to start germinating. You do not want to completely drench it, but it should stay consistently moist. This may mean watering a couple of times a day to keep the seed from drying out. A good rule of thumb would be two to three times per day for about 15 to 20 minutes each time during the first week. One time per day for 15-20 after that until the grass is growing.
After Germination
Once your seeds germinate, you will be able to water less often but will need to deliver more water to penetrate deeper into the soil where roots are developing. A good rule of thumb would be three times per week at 25 minutes to 30 minutes each time. You want to ensure that the soil is getting moist even several inches down under the surface, to drive root growth for your new seedlings. Once the grass is established and growing you may start to mow. This can take 4-5 weeks.