The Grass Doctor

My new lawn grass is growing in unevenly - should I be concerned?

Hi - I am about two weeks into a lawn renovation project. I rough-graded the turf, removed any loose stones, spread topseed using a Scott's broadcast spreader, added plenty of topsoil, then water & finally Scott's starter fertilizer. I know it is early, and the results thus far are mixed. In some areas, the grass has sprouted nicely. In other areas, nothing yet but small stubbles. Should I be concerned or do sections of grass tend to grow in at different speeds? Using the Scott's spreader, I feel pretty confident that the grass seed was spread evenly. Thank you.

Public Comments

1. No. There are a lot of reasons why the grass comes in unevenly. After a few mowings you might need to reseed a few spots, but it will all even out. Check out our website for more gardening ideas at- http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/ Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!
2. You are probably ok, the thing about it is. . .plants need certain things to live. One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that the Sun is as important as Water to the life of plants. You may have the sun hitting a certain part of the grass more often than the others. They do tend to grow at different speeds depending on Shade, what parts of your yard are hit by direct as oppossed to indirect sunlight and wether or not there is a high phosphate level in your area. If you are truely concerned, provide your own phosphates using a fertilizer in your yard.
3. erm...simply to say,i dun realli tink it is a big matter.some places may not get enough sunlight,and the roots of some plants may be longer and snatch water and nutrients,etc.
4. This is why the mower cuts at a predetermined height. Grass above this height gets cut off grass lower is allowed to grow
5. no don't be to concerned. It is just like in the spring when the grass comes up uneven and when you mow it will even out. If in a few more weeks it doesn't fill in with more seed. Grass seed is just like any other seed you plant.- not all seeds make a plant, or in this case a blade of grass. It will also depend on your soil. Not all soil is the same in everypart of your lawn.
6. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It usually takes an entire year for seeded turf grass to fill in fully and have a relatively even look. The grass will grow at different rates depending mainly upon soil structure and sunlight received. Those areas with larger particles (sandy) will dry out faster and need more water, while those with finer soil particles (clays and silts) will hold moisture longer. Soil is never consistent throughout the whole landscape. Keep the grass moist until it is well rooted, then water deeply and as infrequently as it will allow. Typically wait until it just starts to wilt slightly and footprints remain visible after walking across it. This promotes deeper root penetration and a healthier lawn that is more drought resistant. It also does better during hot dry spells.