A lush, new lawn instantly enhances the curb appeal of any home, but grass seeding can feel like a challenge. From choosing the best seed to maintaining and caring for young grass, there’s a lot to think about. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind, so you can show off your beautiful lawn for years to come.

Do:

Start with the right seed.

When first selecting seed, it’s natural to focus on the look you want to achieve. Keep in mind that different seeds thrive in different climates. In the Midwest, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, sourced from a trusted local lawn-and-garden store, grow best. Also, make sure any seed contains 0% weed seed content. You don’t want to plant weeds along with your new grass.

Water correctly.

Without proper watering, seeds and delicate young grass quickly wither. Frequent soil checks can keep moisture at the right levels. The ground should always feel just slightly moist and appear dark instead of light brown. Water young grass seeding daily for the first few weeks, followed by every other day. Mature grass can be watered every third day, depending on the climate and weather.

Change up your mowing pattern.

It’s easy to settle into habits. After growing a beautiful new lawn, it pays to change things up. Every time you mow, try a different pattern. This helps blades stand up straight for easy cutting, creates room to absorb nutrients, and prevents tread tracks.

Don’t:

Start mowing too soon.

The surest way to ruin a new lawn that’s growing well after grass seeding is mowing too soon. Wait for new grass to reach the height you’d normally mow, usually around 4 inches. Don’t mow too short—no more than 1 inch taken off. Also, don’t water for 48 hours before mowing. Excess moisture makes a clean cut more difficult.

Leave cut grass on your new lawn

Young grass needs to breathe. Don’t smother it, and give it the air it needs to thrive by bagging or using a mulching mower that pulverizes clippings.

Apply chemicals before young grass is ready.

No one wants a weed invasion to spoil a beautiful new lawn, but be patient. Don’t apply chemicals of any kind to young grass; most can cause damage. Wait until after the first two or three mowings to apply weed control. Fertilizer is fine after four to six weeks.

If you’re ready to rejuvenate the look of your home with a beautiful new lawn, the best path to stunning results is working with grass seeding and sod installation experts. In the St. Louis, MO, area, family-owned Keeven Bros Sod Company makes it simple to achieve the lush, green lawn of your dreams. Connect with them on their website or call (636) 240-4900 for sod delivery, installation, and seeding supplies.