Housing Tip of the Month: Lawn care

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Hammond
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the Northern California rainy season approaches, now is a prime time for Team Travis members to plant grass seeds and prepare their lawn for the summer.

In order to help members get started, the Housing Office has provided the following tips:

-- The first step in starting a lawn from seed is to properly prepare the soil.
The area should be roto-tilled, followed by adding topsoil, sphagnum peat or lime to improve the condition of the soil. Ensure to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

-- If not using a roto-tiller, take a stiff metal rake and scratch the surface down from one to two inches.

-- After tilling the soil, remove any debris, such as stones or twigs, and rake the surface as level as possible. If lime is needed, add it. Make sure it is added prior to leveling the soil.

-- Next, apply a lawn fertilizer at the rate of two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Unfortunately, because of regulations, there are some fertilizers and other items the base cannot purchase and provide to members.

However, the Travis U-Fix-It store can provide a soil topper, seed cover, organic compost and earth grow garden soil. If members need more ingredients than allotted, they should stop by the Housing Office, fill out a self-help worksheet and the Housing Office can authorize more.

-- Finally, water the bare areas thoroughly with a gentle spray and allow the soil to settle.

After the soil is properly prepared:

-- Spread the grass seeds with a mechanical spreader at the rate recommended by the chosen seed manufacturer. Be careful not to over seed because it will cause the tiny grass plants to choke each other out.

-- When spreading the seeds, apply one-half of the seeds in one direction and the second half at right angles to the first.

-- Rake the entire area lightly to barely cover the seeds with soil.

-- Rolling the seedbed will guarantee that all the seeds comes in contact with the soil. As a preventative measure to keep birds out of the seed, the area can be covered lightly with straw.

The rainy season should provide enough water for the lawn. However, Mother Nature is known to change her mind when least expected, so ensure the lawn is watered gently, but deeply every day.

It may take up to three weeks for all the grass to grow. Once the grass has grown to a height of two inches, mow the lawn.

Remember, a little bit of work today can save a lot of work in the future and help to maintain Team Travis Pride.