You
cannot apply pre-emergent herbicide to bare spots where you are planning to seed grass. Here's why:
* Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating: They create a barrier in the soil that stops seeds from sprouting. This means your grass seed wouldn't be able to grow!
* Topsoil application: While you can apply topsoil to fill in bare spots, you should do it before seeding, not after. Topsoil provides a healthy foundation for the grass seed to germinate.
Here's a breakdown of the proper steps:
1. Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds, debris, and existing grass in the bare spots. Till or rake the soil to break up compacted areas.
2. Apply topsoil (optional): If needed, add topsoil to fill in the bare spots to create a level surface.
3. Spread grass seed: Sow the grass seed according to the instructions on the package.
4. Apply fertilizer: After seeding, apply a starter fertilizer to help the new grass grow.
5. Water thoroughly: Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage germination.
6. Apply mulch (optional): Once the grass has started to grow, you can apply mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
After the grass has established:
* Apply pre-emergent herbicide: Once the grass is well-rooted (usually 4-6 weeks after seeding), you can apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds from germinating.
Remember: Always read the label instructions for the specific products you are using. They will provide detailed information on application rates and timing.
