On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 07:19:07 -0700, Scott B. wrote:

I am closing on my first house in just under a month and had a few
questions. The lawn will be seeded soon if it isn't already. What
steps should I take to ensure I end up with a good full lawn? I have
never cared for a new, seeded, lawn before so any advice is appreciated.
I will also need to purchase a mower. Our lot size is slightly less
than 1/2 acre. I was leaning toward a reel mower but my wife is not
convinced that a gas mower isn't a good choice. Let me know what the
pros-cons of reel vs gas are. I have looked at the Brill Luxus 38 but
am a little concerned about the 1.8" cutting height. I learned from my
dad and he always kept the grass significantly higher (gas mower). Any
links or advice that will help me get a great lawn would be appreciated.
Thanks,
SAB


Hello Scott. Congratulations on your new house & lawn. All your new lawn
will need is adequate water and nitrogen and all should be just fine.
Depending on your grass type, your location and soil type, you may need up
to 6 pounds of pure nitrogen per year per 1000 square feet. This pdf is
one of the best resources on how to figure out fertilizer amounts:
www.rce.rutgers.edu/pubs/pdfs/fs839.pdf

To reel or not to reel.....
Personally I like reel mowers. The quite clipping sounds and the beautiful
cut they leave is just great. With that said though, most people don't
have a reel mower lawn. They either have the Wrong grass type, uneven
lawns with lumps and bumps or they aren't 'religious' about cutting their
lawns regularly. If the grass gets too high while your on vacation, you'll
need to borrow the neighbors rotary to get back to the right mowing hight
for you. The wrong grass type will get thatchy and stemy over time and the
lumps tend to get scalped. The reel mower maintenance can be a bit much
for some folks also. The blade needs to stay very sharp to be an effective
mowing machine. Get a knick in the blade from hitting a stick or pine cone
and off to the garage you go. Don't take all this as a discouragement of
buying a reel mower. I would have one if I had enough time.....

As far as your Dad keeping the lawn higher, that was (imho) a good call.
Taller grass tends to use less water, stays greener longer and tends to
have less weeds.

I would recommend that you contact your local master gardeners and see
what they recommend for your fertilizer needs and what grass types are
best suited for your area. Over seed your lawn again when you move in and
possibly again in the fall when you fertilize. By next spring you'll have
a nice tight lawn. Good luck............