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.
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.
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?
A: If you follow the Installation and Maintenance instructions closely, and over-seed again the following season, you should have a lawn that is close to 100% Pearl’s Premium grass seed by the end of the second season.
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.
Q: If our soil is bad, what should we do? Will application of lime and aeration do the trick?
A: A soil test is a good first step. If your soil is depleted or compacted or shows telltale signs (excessive weeds, moss, etc.), it may need more work. Healthy soil should have a neutral pH and be well aerated. Compacted and acidic soil favors weeds. Neutral pH, aerated soil favors grass. If there has been construction that took away your top soil, if you have subsoil rather than loam, or if your current lawn is mostly weeds, put down 2-3 inches of new soil and top-dress with 1/4 inch of screened organic compost.
