how late for new lawn

[jasongp99]

My wife and I just made our first home purchase and our closing date is October 16th. It's new construction and the builder is seeding the yard. He already has put black dirt down over the sandy soil but not to my liking. It's so thin you can see through it and some area's he didn't even cover. So I have a feeling I will have to do some work. Is there anything I can do that late in the year to get a jump on next spring? Or I'll wait and see what I have in the spring to work with. Sure I will be back with more questions, thanks.

[LABS4ME]

I wouldn't seed at that time. If the seed germinates but get's hit by a good hard freeze, you will lose the seedling. Seed before the end of September or dormant seed towards the middle to end of November or spring seed to have the best success. Also try working in the topsoil into your sand to minimize stratification. It will greatly aid in the development of root and help with moisture and nutrient retention.

Good Luck!

Ken

[LwnmwnMan2]

Quote:

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I wouldn't seed at that time. If the seed germinates but get's hit by a good hard freeze, you will lose the seedling. Seed before the end of September or dormant seed towards the middle to end of November or spring seed to have the best success. Also try working in the topsoil into your sand to minimize stratification. It will greatly aid in the development of root and help with moisture and nutrient retention.

Good Luck!

Ken

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Ding ding ding... what he said.

One thing that I WOULD suggest though, and I realize it's probably too late, but if you could get a credit from his seeding, and just sod in the spring.

I realize it's a bit more money, but it'll be 100% less headache next spring.....

[softballfisherguy]

The past 3 years I've seeded different parts of my new home lawn. The best result I've had was the seed I spread as the first snow of the winter was beginning to fall. It may sound crazy -- but it is true. I planted one part in the spring and that worked pretty well - but had to water - I planted one little part late summer - don't do this it is the worst patch I have and ended up with crab-grass. The stuff I did in the snow - I of course had the ground all worked and ready - cause it gets pretty hard by that time - but I just spread it and left it -- then I did end up lightly dragging it in the spring and it came great. Just my .02cents.