Congratulations on your new lawn! One of the tasks you’ll need to do to help your grass grow healthy and strong is to apply a layer of straw mulch. Straw is a great way to protect your new grass from the elements, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. But how long should you leave the straw on new grass?
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The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of grass you have installed, the climate you live in, and the time of year. In general, however, you should leave straw on new grass for at least two weeks, but generally no longer than six weeks.
Why is it important to leave straw on new grass for long enough?
Straw provides as previously mentioned a range of benefits to new grass, including:
- Protection from the elements: Straw helps to protect new grass from wind, rain, and sun.
- Retain moisture: Straw helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is essential for new grass to grow strong and healthy.
- Suppress weeds: Straw helps to suppress weeds by blocking out sunlight and preventing them from germinating.
How long should you leave straw on new grass?
The length of time you should leave straw on new grass depends on a few factors, including:
- The type of grass: Different types of grass have different needs. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, generally require straw cover for a shorter period of time than warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass and zoysia grass.
- The climate you live in: In warmer climates, you may need to leave straw on new grass for a shorter period of time than in cooler climates.
- The time of year: If you’re planting new grass in the spring or fall, you should leave straw on the grass for less time because the weather is more ideal for grass growth in those seasons.
Generally speaking, you should leave straw on new grass for at least two weeks, but generally no longer than six weeks.
Here’s a more specific breakdown of how long to leave straw on new grass, depending on the factors mentioned above:
- Cool-season grasses planted in the spring or fall: Leave straw on for two to four weeks.
- Cool-season grasses planted in the summer: Leave straw on for four to six weeks.
- Warm-season grasses planted in the spring or fall: Leave straw on for four to six weeks.
- Warm-season grasses planted in the summer: Leave straw on for six to eight weeks.
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How to remove straw from new grass
Once you’ve left straw on your new grass for the appropriate amount of time, it’s time to remove it. The best way to remove straw is to use a leaf blower or a rake. If you’re using a leaf blower, be sure to use the lowest setting to avoid damaging the grass. If you’re using a rake, be sure to rake gently to avoid pulling up the grass.
Once you’ve removed the straw, you can enjoy your new lawn!
How Long To Leave Straw On New Grass
Additional Tips for Leaving Straw on New Grass
- Water your new grass regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
- Fertilize your new grass according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually monthly if you don’t use a slow-release fertlizer.
- Mow your new grass regularly, once it has reached a height in most cases of 3 or more inches, to encourage growth and prevent thatch buildup. Mow higher during stress periods.
By following these tips, you can help your new grass grow healthy and strong!
