Straw is a popular, cost-effective mulch option. When establishing a lawn or reseeding, putting straw over grass seed can help keep the seeds moist until they germinate.
Straw isn’t just widely used because it’s affordable. It’s an effective mulch for protecting grass seeds, retaining moisture, and providing some nutrients as your seeds begin to sprout. However, it’s important to note that straw can attract pests and can sometimes have weed seeds.
Pros of Covering Grass With Straw
Straw is a temporary mulch for newly seeded or reseeded lawns. Straw can protect the seeds from erosion, discourage birds from eating the seeds, and help retain moisture.
- Inexpensive: On average, pine straw mulch costs between $20 to $55 per cubic yard while yellow grain straw costs between $35 to $40 per cubic yard.
- Easy to use: There’s no special trick to spreading straw over grass seed. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of straw over the seeds and water the area.
- Retains moisture: Grass seed needs a moist environment to germinate. Straw mulch holds moisture after watering, helps the soil stay damp, and keeps seeds from drying.
- Provides nutrients to the soil: Straw is an organic mulch. This means that it will eventually decompose. As it decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, feeding surrounding grass and plants.
- Discourages birds: Left out in the open and unprotected, your grass seed can become a buffet for neighborhood birds. A thin layer of straw can deter birds from making your new lawn into their new favorite snack.
- Prevents erosion: Heavy rainfall can wash away grass seeds. Straw prevents this by providing a protective layer and holding seeds in place.
Cons of Covering Grass With Straw
- May attract pests: All organic mulches can attract pests, such as insects and rodents. Pine straw attracts insects such as millipedes, beetles, moths, and earwigs. Rodents may enjoy eating or building nests in yellow grain straw.
- May have weed seeds: Straw may contain seeds that can lead to weed growth in your lawn. To prevent this, inspect the straw for seeds or purchase higher quality straw with minimal seeds.
- Blows away easily: Straw is lightweight and can be blown away by heavy winds. However, regular watering to keep the seeds moist will also weigh down the straw, preventing it from blowing away.
- Over-applying can smother seeds: If the layer of straw is too thick, it will become a barrier preventing sunlight, air, and water from reaching the seeds and soil.
- May be treated with pesticides or herbicides: Typically, when straw reaches the hardware store, any lingering chemicals are minimal. However, trace amounts of pesticides or herbicides used during farming may be a concern for some homeowners and organic gardeners.
Tips for Covering Grass Seed With Straw
Remember to apply a thin layer of mulch over grass seeds. This helps keep the seeds in place. This also prevents the seeds from drying out too rapidly, keeping them moist until they germinate. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use one bale of straw per 1,000 square feet
- Scatter mulch loosely
- Break up any clumps
- Ensure some seeds are still visible
- Water daily until seeds germinate
Straw is an inexpensive mulch option, but there are many ways to get mulch for free. Learn more in our guide Where to Get Free Mulch.
Straw Alternatives
While straw is the preferred mulch for new grass seed, other alternatives can be used. Varieties such as paper mulch and peat moss deliver the same benefits of keeping the seeds moist and providing nutrients. However, some varieties may be more expensive than straw and harder to find.
Straw alternatives include:
- Compost
- Peat moss
- Sawdust
- Paper mulch
- Leaf mulch
Mulch helps your lawn in a variety of ways and there are numerous types of mulch. Check out our article Mulch Guide: Types, Pro Tips and Where to Mulch to learn more.
Say no way to hay: It can often be difficult to tell the difference between straw and hay. While both have their uses for livestock, hay has no place in your lawn as a mulch. Hay is made from legumes, grass, or alfalfa that has been cut and dried. While straw may have a few weed seeds, hay contains many more seeds and is more likely to harm your lawn than help.
FAQ About Straw
How long should you leave straw on grass seed?
Remove the straw once the seeds have sprouted, and it is evident that no additional seeds need to sprout, typically within three to four weeks.
How often should you water grass seed?
Water grass seeds 2 to 3 times daily for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time until the grass seeds germinate. This keeps the area moist without overwatering. Check out How Often to Water Grass Seed to learn about other factors that affect your watering regimen.
How long does it take grass seed to germinate?
Grass seeds begin to germinate within seven to 21 days. However, it may take up to 2 months for the grass to be long enough to mow.
Hire a Pro to Mow Your Lawn
Putting straw over grass seed can be an effective way to promote germination and protect the seeds. The straw helps retain moisture, creating an ideal environment for the seeds to sprout.
With your new lawn established, you’ll need to perform regular lawn maintenance to keep it looking great. Hire a local lawn care professional to get top-notch lawn care at the click of a button. You’ll spend less time mowing the grass and more time enjoying your stunning new lawn.
Main Photo Credit: ungvar / Adobe Stock Free / License
