Should I put topsoil over grass seed?
As springtime approaches many of us to start to think about our front lawn maintenance plans. It seems like our front lawn is often the one that we are most concerned about because of the curbside appearance of our home. With the thought of front lawn maintenance, you may be thinking about planting some grass seed. Having grass seed planted is usually one step that many think about when they are thinking about improving the quality of their grass. Especially when it comes to their front lawn, but the next question is often one that we think about and are not sure about asking. Many wonder, “should I put topsoil over the grass seed?” That is a wonderful question and one we know the answer to.
Having topsoil spread over the seeds after it has been planted may seem like a good idea, but let us let you why it is not. While the thought may cross your mind that it would protect the seed and help it germinate unfortunately grass seeds when sprouting are not easily able to push through the heavy earth material like topsoil. When placing topsoil over newly planted seed it will actually suffocate the grass seedlings and ultimately they never have the chance to even get started. There is a proper way to prepare the soil for planting grass. Preparing the soil with a seeding technique and aeration allows for the best protection and prevents from losing any seedlings.
When seeds sprout they have some unusual habits, they are a bit different than other seedlings that you may be used to working with. Many types of seeds are an oblong shape and are small. Unlink other types of seeds, grass seeds are not able to push their way through topsoil or earthy materials. They are very tiny and quite actually really sensitive in the germination stage. Even though they can not be covered with topsoil or earthy materials they can not be let exposed either. Grass seed loves a warm niche in the soil with moisture. If that can be achieved the seed will germinate and provide a wonderful lush lawn of grass. The only cool thing about grass seed is that it grows very rapidly.
Planting grass can also be tricky with getting the best location depth wise when it is planted. Grass seed is best planted at a depth of about ⅛ inch to ¼ inch below the surface. Dispersing the seeds with a spreader or by hand allows the seeds to make contact with the soil, but always make sure that the lawn has been treated and aerated before seeds are placed on the lawn. The aeration allows the soil to be broke up just enough that it gets below the surface but does not get covered with a thick layer of earthy materials. Ideally, aeration will create a shallow planting place for each one of the seedlings to germinate and thrive in. The rule of grass seed and making sure that it has not been overcovered is that you should be able to see about 10 % of the seed when it is in the earthy material. Seeing too much or too little of the seeds can indicate that the soil is not aerated enough or that it has been aerated too deeply. It typically takes about three weeks for grass seeds to sprout.
Along with planting grass, there are additional tasks that can be completed to protect and help the grass grow well. Many think that putting topsoil over the seeds would protect it, but in fact, that will actually suffocate the seedlings rather than doing any good. We suggest that straw, hay, or any other type of mulching material be used. Spreading a thin layer of about ¼ inch of this material will be able to protect the seeds from the common wind and even pests. It also helps to provide the soil with moisture retention. When moisture is maintained it allows the germination process to take place in a timely manner and allows the seedling to thrive. Adding straw, hay, and other mulching materials not only protect the seedlings and keeps the moisture after it degrades it adds nutrients to the soil that provides for some great establishment for the grass seeds. Water and adding a protective layer really does help it become the beautiful lawn that you are looking for.
Having topsoil spread over the seeds after it has been planted may seem like a good idea, but let us let you why it is not. While the thought may cross your mind that it would protect the seed and help it germinate unfortunately grass seeds when sprouting are not easily able to push through the heavy earth material like topsoil. When placing topsoil over newly planted seed it will actually suffocate the grass seedlings and ultimately they never have the chance to even get started. There is a proper way to prepare the soil for planting grass. Preparing the soil with a seeding technique and aeration allows for the best protection and prevents from losing any seedlings.
When seeds sprout they have some unusual habits, they are a bit different than other seedlings that you may be used to working with. Many types of seeds are an oblong shape and are small. Unlink other types of seeds, grass seeds are not able to push their way through topsoil or earthy materials. They are very tiny and quite actually really sensitive in the germination stage. Even though they can not be covered with topsoil or earthy materials they can not be let exposed either. Grass seed loves a warm niche in the soil with moisture. If that can be achieved the seed will germinate and provide a wonderful lush lawn of grass. The only cool thing about grass seed is that it grows very rapidly.
Planting grass can also be tricky with getting the best location depth wise when it is planted. Grass seed is best planted at a depth of about ⅛ inch to ¼ inch below the surface. Dispersing the seeds with a spreader or by hand allows the seeds to make contact with the soil, but always make sure that the lawn has been treated and aerated before seeds are placed on the lawn. The aeration allows the soil to be broke up just enough that it gets below the surface but does not get covered with a thick layer of earthy materials. Ideally, aeration will create a shallow planting place for each one of the seedlings to germinate and thrive in. The rule of grass seed and making sure that it has not been overcovered is that you should be able to see about 10 % of the seed when it is in the earthy material. Seeing too much or too little of the seeds can indicate that the soil is not aerated enough or that it has been aerated too deeply. It typically takes about three weeks for grass seeds to sprout.
Along with planting grass, there are additional tasks that can be completed to protect and help the grass grow well. Many think that putting topsoil over the seeds would protect it, but in fact, that will actually suffocate the seedlings rather than doing any good. We suggest that straw, hay, or any other type of mulching material be used. Spreading a thin layer of about ¼ inch of this material will be able to protect the seeds from the common wind and even pests. It also helps to provide the soil with moisture retention. When moisture is maintained it allows the germination process to take place in a timely manner and allows the seedling to thrive. Adding straw, hay, and other mulching materials not only protect the seedlings and keeps the moisture after it degrades it adds nutrients to the soil that provides for some great establishment for the grass seeds. Water and adding a protective layer really does help it become the beautiful lawn that you are looking for.
