CARING FOR YOUR NEW LAWN

Lawn Care Responsibility

Fine grading and seeding of your lawn are planned to be completed by settlement unless weather or
seasonal delays occur. During seasonal delays, when lawn preparation cannot be completed in winter,
this work will be finished in the Spring.
Once fine grading and seeding are complete, the trade partner’s responsibility for establishing your
lawn ends. From settlement onward, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to nurture and maintain the
lawn, including watering, mowing, fertilizing, overseeding, and spot-seeding.

HOA Communities with Lawn Care
  • Watering is the homeowner’s responsibility.
  • The HOA handles mowing and scheduled treatments as determined by the HOA board.
  • Spot seeding or overseeding is typically not included.
  • For details, contact your HOA directly.
HOA Communities without Lawn Care
  • Full responsibility for lawn maintenance rests with the homeowner.

Warranty Exclusion

The builder’s Limited Warranty does not cover the establishment, growth, or health of grass, shrubs, or trees.

Homeowner Lawn Maintenance

phase 1: establishment

  • Property has been graded, raked, and seeded with fertilizer and mulch applied.
  • Water daily for 3-5 weeks.
  • Apply fertilizer around the 4th or 5th week after seeding.
  • Keep pets and children off the lawn while muddy or during seed germination.

phase 2: mowing & fertilizing

  • Begin mowing when grass reaches 3 inches.
  • Maintain a mowing height of 3 inches; avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade.
  • Regular mowing encourages a lower crown and thicker turf.
  • Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts.
  • Apply fertilizers to support growth.
  • Feed Every 30-60 days during the first growing season.
  • Continue to fertilize as needed to maintain a healthy lawn.
  • Apply treatments to prevent and control weeds.

phase 3: Overseeding & spot repairs

New lawns benefit from
spot seeding repairs and
overseeding during the first
several years.

  • Mow lawn to about 1″, bag clippings, and remove debris.
  • Ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
  • Choose a method: 1) Manual broadcast (small to medium areas), 2) Walk-behind overseeding machine (larger areas).
  • Apply 1/8″ – 1/4″ dry compost (e.g., mushroom soil) and lightly rake.
  • Add topsoil to settled areas to maintain slope around the foundation and ensure proper drainage.
  • Immature lawns are prone to storm damage and erosion repair as needed.

Watering is the single most important step in establishing a healthy new lawnwatering your lawn

  • Water daily, keeping the soil moist for 3-5 weeks.
  • Soak soil thoroughly; avoid just wetting the surface.
  • Check for uniform coverage; overly wet areas can drown young grass.
  • Adjust for weather, sun, wind, and heat; water more frequently during hot, dry, or windy periods.
  • Pay special attention to areas near driveways, sidewalks, and buildings (which dry faster), as well as slopes and banks (may experience runoff).

tips & best practicesTopsoil:

  • Final grade uses native topsoil shaped for drainage and blending with surrounding properties.
  • Newly spread soil may require up to a year to stabilize.
  • Rocks may remain; organic matter and fertilizers help grass growth.

straw matting

  • Biodegradable, lasts 6-18 months.
  • Matting should remain in place until grass is fully established.
  • If removed, collect steel staples.

shrubs, plantings, & Trees

  • Water shrubs 1-2 times/week (1-2 gallons/shrub).
  • Water trees 1-2 times/week (3-5 gallons/tree).
  • Consult professionals for fertilization.
  • Keep mulch beds weed-free; refresh with 2-3″ annually.