Question: Hi Robert, how are you? We love your column, are new to reading it and have found so much helpful information, looking back at past questions. Thank you for what you do. We bought an older home with a yard that likely hasn’t been done in years and would like to get some grass growing. Can we just toss seed down and it’ll sprout? Is there something that we need to do for guaranteed success?
— John and Susie L.
Answer: John and Susie, I’m glad to know you’re enjoying the information. Thank you for writing in. Ideally, if funds are available, I’d go with sod. It is a bigger process but a faster finish with immediate results. If the budget is tight, you can definitely throw out seed but it’ll need to be topped with a light layer of topsoil. If you can, add some aged compost to the soil first. This will help the seed germinate and be strong. Either way, watering consistently will be the biggest factor in the success of a lawn. Annually and sometimes bi-annually, fertilizer should be put down to give the necessary nutrients to the soil, thus having a green, healthy lawn. Locally, they sell a winter blend and a summer blend — just ask at the nursery. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
