Lime green grass - Ask Extension
I recently planted some grass seed over an area of removed trees. The grass that will grow looks lime green and very unhealthy. They were maple and ...
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Lime green grass #869877
Asked May 24, 2024, 7:41 AM EDT
I recently planted some grass seed over an area of removed trees. The grass that will grow looks lime green and very unhealthy. They were maple and hickory trees and I removed most of the stump grinding chips from the soil. I added new soil and seed from Hammond farms with some starter fertilizer. Is there anything else I can add to the area to get the grass to grow.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
I'd start by doing a soil test for the area you're trying to get grass to grow in (You might be off in a macronutrient or pH). You will learn more about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
Looking at your photo I suspect that you are lacking nitrogen as it's probably being consumed by the wood chips left behind in the soil. Another problem is there is no shade for the new grass seedlings, straw usually being used for this.
Based on where we are in the year, I'd wait until late August to attempt to reseed the bare spots or even the whole area again. Use the time until then to correct any issues identified in the soil test. The heat and dryness of summer don't play nice with newly germinate grass. You should also plan to irrigate the existing grass that is growing so it survives the summer.
I'm attaching links to articles on seeding lawns as guidance:
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
Renovation of Lawns-PSU
Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU
Looking at your photo I suspect that you are lacking nitrogen as it's probably being consumed by the wood chips left behind in the soil. Another problem is there is no shade for the new grass seedlings, straw usually being used for this.
Based on where we are in the year, I'd wait until late August to attempt to reseed the bare spots or even the whole area again. Use the time until then to correct any issues identified in the soil test. The heat and dryness of summer don't play nice with newly germinate grass. You should also plan to irrigate the existing grass that is growing so it survives the summer.
I'm attaching links to articles on seeding lawns as guidance:
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
Renovation of Lawns-PSU
Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU
