While there's no secret trick to getting grass to grow overnight (like that of a wish granted by some Genie in a lamp)– fortunately, there are fool-proof methods you can follow to help turfgrass to grow as thick and lush as possible.
This includes combining your grass choice with the ideal time in the year to plant grass, allowing you to have full, thriving grass in a short period. Now, let's discuss all the other ways you can try to get your grass to grow fast!
4 Proven Ways to Grow Grass Fast
If you're fully decided to grow your grass, the best way to get started is to determine the best method that works for your needs. Homeowners with an entire yard area who are looking to grow grass fast can choose from either seeding the area or laying down sod.
1. Lay Sod
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make grass grow faster, sod is an excellent method to consider. You can have a brand new-looking lawn in just a matter of hours! The downside? It can be rather expensive. But the price comes with the perk of having an "instant" lawn that you can mow and walk on after three to four weeks.
Pro tip: It would be best to ask your sod dealer for the watering recommendations of your chosen species. Generally, water it at least once or twice daily for the first three weeks.
When it comes to mowing, avoid mowing your new lawn at least until the third or fourth week. Fertilize the yard with a good-quality starter fertilizer after a month. Generally, sod is the perfect choice for new lawns, small patch jobs, and lawn renovations. Most sod varieties thrive best in full sun.
Here are the most popular sod types to consider:
Remember that specific grass variety may take quite some time to germinate. But once established, you can have a full-grown lawn in just a short time.
2. Seed
While the seeding method doesn't provide quick results like sodding, it will cost you less. Generally, grass seeds take up to 5 to 30 days to germinate– depending on your chosen grass species. Suppose you're wondering what the fastest-growing cool season grasses include: bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass. You can expect a full lawn as fast as five to nine weeks. Meanwhile, if you want to grow warm-season grass faster, choose bermudagrass, buffalo grass, and centipede grass. These varieties take six to eleven weeks to establish.
Pro tip: Consider slice seeding to ensure the best seed-to-soil contact for extensive lawns. Slit seeders help the seed have good contact with the soil, allowing quick germination.
Some grass species, such as St. Augustine grass lawns, cannot be planted as seeds. These can be grown only as sod or sprigs. Homeowners who only want to seed small patches can refer to the process as overseeding.
3. Hydroseed
In case you're unfamiliar with the term Hydroseeding– this refers to a technique to establish grass lawns that is both cost and time effective for areas susceptible to erosion. The hydroseed combines starter fertilizer, grass seed, green dye, fiber (wood or paper), and water. All of these are mixed in a machine to produce a slurry.
Once the slurry is ready, it can now be sprayed into large areas using a hydroseeding machine. The mulch mixture acts as a moist bed for the seeds, ensuring that it stays in place during its germination and establishment stages. This also protects it from getting washed away by erosion or heavy rains. While Hydroseeding takes quite some time to establish compared to sod, it is still relatively faster than seed. If you have a large commercial or residential property– this method is one of the most cost-efficient ways to grow grass faster. Expect a full lawn in one to two months! (Related: Hydroseeding Cost & Consumer Guide)
4. DIY Hydroseed (Bonus)
Lastly, we'll include the homemade Hydroseed option in this list which is a practical way to get grass to grow fast. You can hop on Youtube to check out related videos– and see how some ingenious people turn excess sawdust into a DIY hydroseed to fill in the visible bare patches in their lawn. This sawdust and grass seed mixture can be likened to the typical mulch that is used when Hydroseeding.
Results vary, but one homeowner noticed significant grass growth on their lawn in under two weeks. While it's not difficult to grow grass, you can follow plenty of methods to optimize its growth. The picture-perfect green grass lawn of your dreams can be achieved in just a short period! But, this will demand careful research and effort on your end. Choose the right grass seed variety suitable for your local climate, prepare the soil with starter fertilizer, ensure that the pH levels are balanced, go with the proper plant (sod or seed), and water the lawn sufficiently for the next few weeks. (Related: Everything You Need To Know About DIY Hydroseeding)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is sod better than seeds?
In certain ways, sod is better than seeds, but not in all cases. The main advantage of laying sod is that you won't have to wait for your grass seed to germinate or take root; instead, you'll have a lawn instantly. Although strip-laying takes less time than seeding, it is much more expensive– often more than four times as expensive. Additionally, not all grass types are accessible in sod, although unique grass species mixtures are possible with conventional seeding. To ensure that the preparation and aftercare are equal, you'll also need to water the sod attentively and prepare the soil.
How long will it take before my lawn fully matures?
A seeded lawn takes a full year to develop, according to experts. You may witness total growth in a few months on a seeded lawn. When installing sod, keep in mind that it establishes itself considerably more quickly.
What types of seeds grow the fastest?
Ryegrass is a grass variety that grows the fastest if you live in a cool climate. Another consideration is Bermudagrass, a warm-season grass species that grow the quickest. In optimal soil and climate conditions, these plants often sprout in 10 days instead of 20+ days for some other species. If you're looking to grow grass fast (ASAP), it is always important to carefully select the grass seed variety that will help you achieve your desired results.
Can you put down too much grass seed?
Indeed, overseeding could be a problem. Once the grass seed germinates and starts to grow, too much grass seed may lead to competition. They will compete for nutrients, sunlight, and water and ultimately limit development. Using about a pound of grass seed for every 250 to 400 square feet is advisable to get complete distribution throughout your whole property.
When is the best time to plant grass seed?
The ideal time to plant grass seed depends on a variety of factors. Warm season grasses perform best when planted in the late spring, whereas cool season grasses are best seeded in the late summer and early fall. Ideally, it is best to research the matter to plant your new grass around the ideal time in the year.