Lawn Installation
Lawn Installation in New Hampshire: The Basics for a Thriving Lawn
Installing a new lawn in New Hampshire isn’t rocket science—but like all living things, turfgrass needs specific conditions to truly thrive. In our experience, the success (or failure) of any new lawn installation comes down to three key elements: preparation, timing, and moisture.
Preparation: Start with the Right Foundation
A well-prepared planting bed is essential. When done properly, grass seed can take root quickly and grow into a lush, healthy lawn within a single season. Before starting, we assess site conditions—like available sunlight and drainage. Not enough light? We may recommend pruning shade trees or using a seed blend designed for shady areas. Standing water? We’ll contour the subgrade to improve drainage.
Once the site is shaped, we bring in our own composted topsoil and spread a healthy 6-inch layer of loose, nutrient-rich earth. This organic topsoil gives your new lawn the best chance to establish strong roots and grow quickly.
Timing: When You Plant Matters
Even with ideal prep work, timing can make or break your lawn. Grass seed starts germinating at 65°F and stops growing above 80°F. That means summer is the worst time to seed a lawn in New Hampshire. Spring has better temps, but it also brings weed competition from fast-growing annuals.
The best time to plant grass from seed? Fall—hands down. Temperatures are ideal, and weeds are no longer a threat.
Need a lawn during spring or summer? No problem. Use pre-emergent weed control in spring to help fight crabgrass, or choose sod installation during the summer for an instant lawn that skips the seed stage entirely.
Moisture: Water Makes It Work
Even the best prep and perfect timing won’t matter without proper watering. Consistent, calibrated moisture is vital for seed germination and turf establishment. Even sod—your "instant lawn"—requires regular watering until the roots are established.
That’s why we always recommend considering an irrigation system when installing a new lawn. Modern systems are water-smart, with sensors and fine-tuned controls that use less water than hose-end sprinklers—and yes, they can even be controlled from your smartphone. If you need a trusted installer, we’re happy to refer one.
Certified Seed, Quality Sod, and Expert Hydroseeding
At Rye Beach Landscaping, we only use USDA-certified grass seed. Because we do our own hydroseeding, we maintain complete control over the mix we apply. Our sun-and-shade blend is tailored for New Hampshire and includes a tackifier that improves erosion control and moisture retention.
If waiting isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered. Our crew can install sod—anywhere from 200 to 20,000 square feet—and we get it done fast. All our sod is sourced from Northeast farms, so you can trust that it’s northern-grown and New Hampshire-tough—built to look great year after year.