I have a new lawn. We planted grass seed and put straw over the top of it. It has been down for nearly two months. Will I need to rake it, or will it all eventually decompose within the next year or so? Its a big yard and will take a long time to rake. Any experience on this?
2007-07-06 06:28:56 · 7 answers · asked by thedude 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
it will eventually decompose or get blown away in the rain or wind, but if you don't like the way that it looks on your new lawn, raking would be the fastest solution. make a party out of it..invite a few friends over with some rakes and tell them for every bag they fill with straw, that's a drink on you!
2007-07-06 06:32:23 · answer #1 · answered by jmum82 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If the straw is not so thick that it blocks the sun from reaching the new grass, leave the straw there. It acts as mulch and keeps the moisture in, will decompose eventually, and will act as a bit of nutrients to the lawn next year. I would think that raking it would dislodge the new grass, unless it's long enough to withstand that.
2007-07-06 06:49:50 · answer #2 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the straw is thick, it's going to smother the grass. Also, it's going to get mold on it, which is really not good for the new grass. However, if you rake too hard, you're going to damage the young grass plants. It's a hard call, and I'd need to see the lawn for better advice.
2007-07-06 06:38:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like to use old almost rotted straw on a new lawn, but to answer your question, do not rake. This stuff is good for your lawn and the mower should break up most clumps.
2007-07-06 06:33:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be concerned about the heat that the straw would have under it effecting the growing grass. Shopaholic Chic is right, it is combustible, so you really need to water the areas thoroughly early morning or late evening to prevent the new grass from burning.
2007-07-06 06:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will decompose but the new grass underneath will suffer in the meantime. It'll either die or be very yellow - new grass needs light and air
2007-07-06 06:32:29 · answer #6 · answered by Kate J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say it depends on your climate - be careful straw when piled into large piles and left in the sunlight it may combust (catch fire)
2007-07-06 06:31:58 · answer #7 · answered by Shopaholic Chick 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋