Perhaps you are moving into a newly constructed neighborhood or maybe you are unhappy with your existing yard and you want to completely rebuild it? Whatever the reason you may have for starting a new lawn, we are sure that you want to take all the necessary steps to make sure your work is productive. Cool season grasses include Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Rough Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Creeping Fescue, Annual Ryegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. Warm Season Grass These grasses are meant to be planted in the late spring. Planting in the late spring allows the grass seed to establish itself and take root prior to the hot growing season. But, keep in mind that while germination can take place in the spring, the new sprouts may not be firmly established before the heat of summer sets in. To get the best results when seeding a new lawn you should use a hand cranked seed spreader. Many people sow seed by hand and this leads to uneven grass. The second number that is listed on fertilizer bags is phosphate. Phosphate helps the grass seed to germinate and it promotes root health. New lawns will need an application of fertilizer that is fairly high in phosphate. The third number that is listed on fertilizer bags is potassium, or potash. Potash helps to strength lawn grass. Alkaline soil is sometimes referred to as “sweet soil.” When your lawn soil has a level of 8.0 or higher your lawn grasses will turn pale and yellow because no iron or manganese is available. You will have to correct this condition by spading in iron and sulfate compounds. Generally speaking, most acidic soils are high in organic material while alkaline soils are high in calcium. Soil tests will tell you what amendments should be added to your soil prior to planting. Whether you plant to sow seed, install sod or plant sprigs and plugs, you should have the growing area tilled. If you do not till, grass may have trouble establishing roots – especially if the soil in the growing area is very heavy.