How to Use Topsoil to Hide Grass Seed From Birds

When renovating or planting a lawn, you may decide to use grass seed instead of sod for versatility and cost-effectiveness. Grass seed, although cheap, can be difficult to establish. Not only do you have to worry about watering the new seed till it's firmly rooted, you also have to worry about birds eating it before it gets a chance to germinate. Covering the seed with topsoil will prevent birds from locating the seed.

Non-selective herbicide
Watering hose
Vertical mower
Measuring tape
Fertilizer
Lawn seed
Seed spreader
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a non-selective herbicide on the lawn three weeks before planting the seeds to kill off any weeds or weed seed.
- 2
  Water the lawn to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
- 3
  Till the soil with a vertical lawnmower to a depth of one-eighth to one-half inch. Remove any large clumps of soil by hand.
- 4
  Measure the length and the width of the lawn. Multiply the two numbers to get the square footage of the lawn. Use this measurement for the seed quantity and fertilizer.
- 5
  Apply 1/2 lb. of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn area to prepare the soil for the new seed.
- 6
  Divide the amount of seed into four equal portions. For the best coverage, apply the seed up and down the lawn with a seed spreader, then spread more walking diagonally with the seed spreader.
- 7
  Rake the seed into the tilled topsoil to protect it from predators such as birds.
- 8
  Lightly water the area, using a slow stream from the hose to prevent washing away the seed. Continue applying moisture to the lawn regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated.

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