FAQs
What do I do about crab grass and other weeds?
Q: What do I do about crab grass and other weeds?
Once my lawn is really established and its roots are long, can I cut the lawn shorter than 3 inches?
Q: Once my lawn is really established and its roots are long, can I cut the lawn shorter than 3 inches? I have one area where my kids play soccer, whiffle ball, etc. and I worry that 3 inches might keep the ball from rolling well.
A: Yes, if you have a special event or soccer game or wedding on your lawn, you can cut it back temporarily. Cut to 2 inches, Pearl’s Premium will recover more quickly from heavy foot traffic than a 3-inch lawn would. The grass shoots or blades will grow back quickly to support the longer roots
Why do you recommend keeping the grass at least 3 inches tall and cutting with a sharp blade?
Q: Why do you recommend keeping the grass at least 3 inches tall and cutting with a sharp blade?
A: Cutting your grass short during the heat of summer or cutting with a dull blade any time of year will damage and wither the grass. This also invites weeds, especially crabgrass. In the summer, research shows that dense fescue-type grass, like Pearl's Premium, grown to at least 3+ inches tall will shade the soil and prevent most weed seeds from germinating.
Is it really true that I can mow just once a month?
Q: Is it really true that I can mow just once a month?
A: Yes, Pearl's Premium has been researched and developed to grow slowly. We recommend that you allow your Pearl’s Premium lawn to grow to 4 inches tall before you cut back to 3 inches, and that you only mow 1/3 of the height of the grass at any one time. Follow the Maintenance instructions closely for the best results with your Pearl's Premium lawn. In most situations, this means mowing every 3-4 weeks or less in the summer.
How much water should I give my new lawn to get it established?
Q: How much water should I give my new lawn to get it established?
If our soil is bad, what should we do? Will application of lime and aeration do the trick?
Q: If our soil is bad, what should we do? Will application of lime and aeration do the trick?
Should we get our soil tested before we do anything?
Q: Should we get our soil tested before we do anything?
A: A soil test is a good idea. If your soil is depleted or compacted or you have telltale signs of poor soil (excessive weeds, moss, etc), your soil may not support healthy lawn growth. Your local state agricultural extension or agriculture school can usually help with soil tests.
How long will it take for my existing lawn to transition to a Pearl’s Premium lawn if I over-seed without first removing or tearing up my existing lawn?
Q: How long will it take for my existing lawn to transition to a Pearl’s Premium lawn if I over-seed without first removing or tearing up my existing lawn?
How much Pearl's Premium seed should I use?
Q: How much grass seed should I use?
A: Spread grass seed at a concentration of 15-20 seeds per inch (this equates to 5 pounds for every 1,000 square feet). Use a more concentrated application of 25-30 seeds per inch (this equates to 7-8 pounds seed per 1,000 sq feet) to out-compete weeds or for new construction areas.
I have some other grass seed left over; can I mix that with the Pearl’s Premium to use it up?
Q: I have some other grass seed left over; can I mix that with the Pearl’s Premium to use it up?
A: This isn’t a good idea, since the Pearl’s Premium blends have been carefully selected for certain features—very slow growth, drought tolerance and insect resistance—that other seeds do not share. If you want a low maintence lawn, that saves time, money and water, make it 100% Pearl’s Premium, or you are wasting your seed.
