Lawn Reconditioning
Kentfield Commons HOA reconditions lawns in the spring to improve turf quality. Lawns are aerated, overseeded, and top-dressed with compost. This helps to infill bare spots, fortify sparse lawns in shaded areas, and promote overall turf density. Overseeding is an established standard lawn care practice, and the only way to improve the turf without installing completely new sod.
Lawn Reconditioning Process: After applying broadleaf weed control. The lawns will be “scalped”, or cut very short to a height of ½” right near the soil. The lawns will be aerated with a machine that draws small plugs from the lawn. These plugs will be visible for a couple of weeks but will break down naturally. A mix of drought tolerant grass seed will be broadcast over the lawn at a rate of 8 lb/1000 sq. ft. A thin layer of organic compost will be spread over the seed.
Grass seed takes about 7 days to germinate. With favorable conditions we hope to gain 80% coverage within 14 days. Renovated lawns are usually dependably established after 6 weeks. Pre-emergent herbicide is applied after 75% seed germination to control weeds. The landscapers will be adjusting the irrigation hardware and controller programs throughout this process to ensure germination and proper establishment.
Please Note:
Option to Opt Out: Lawn reconditioning requires an investment in additional watering that will be reflected in your water bill. If you do not want this reconditioning on your yard, please contact the Association Manager to opt out.
Please note: All homeowners are entitled to this lawn renovation. If you and your neighbor do not want your shared front yard to be reconditioned, both homeowners need to contact the Association Manager individually.
Lawn Reconditioning Process: After applying broadleaf weed control. The lawns will be “scalped”, or cut very short to a height of ½” right near the soil. The lawns will be aerated with a machine that draws small plugs from the lawn. These plugs will be visible for a couple of weeks but will break down naturally. A mix of drought tolerant grass seed will be broadcast over the lawn at a rate of 8 lb/1000 sq. ft. A thin layer of organic compost will be spread over the seed.
Grass seed takes about 7 days to germinate. With favorable conditions we hope to gain 80% coverage within 14 days. Renovated lawns are usually dependably established after 6 weeks. Pre-emergent herbicide is applied after 75% seed germination to control weeds. The landscapers will be adjusting the irrigation hardware and controller programs throughout this process to ensure germination and proper establishment.
Please Note:
- It is important to scalp the lawn and then allow the new, tender seed to establish properly prior to mowing. After your lawn is scalped, 4 weeks will pass until your lawn is mowed again. Lawns will look less tidy and manicured during this period. Please limit foot traffic on turf areas during seed establishment.
- Lawn reconditioning requires an investment in additional watering that will be reflected in your water bill. All plants including drought tolerant tolerant grasses need regular water to germinate and establish themselves. The seedlings are very fragile during this stage. Expect daily daytime irrigation during the first 5 weeks of seed establishment - sometimes even on rainy days to ensure adequate saturation. This additional watering will be reflected in your water usage report, and your water bill. You may receive alerts about your increased water usage during this period. After this germination and establishment period, irrigation will be restricted to the regular night time watering schedule as usual. If you do not want to invest this reconditioning on your yard, please contact the Association Manager to opt out.
- Each irrigation valve controls the sprinklers on several homes. We will perform this turf renovation on a valve-by-valve basis, meaning each group will be in a slightly different schedule. You may see your neighbor’s new lawn emerging while your lawn still has some bare soil visible.
- Organic compost can often have a strong, earthy smell. It will dissipate after about a week.
- Seed may not establish in areas densely rooted by existing trees.
Option to Opt Out: Lawn reconditioning requires an investment in additional watering that will be reflected in your water bill. If you do not want this reconditioning on your yard, please contact the Association Manager to opt out.
Please note: All homeowners are entitled to this lawn renovation. If you and your neighbor do not want your shared front yard to be reconditioned, both homeowners need to contact the Association Manager individually.