I Tested Putting Burlap On Top of New Grass Seed – Here’s What Happened

AvatarByJason Davis

When I first started planting new grass seed, I quickly realized that simply spreading seeds wasn’t enough to ensure a lush, green lawn. That’s when I discovered the simple yet effective trick of putting burlap on top of new grass seed. This age-old gardening tip has been a game-changer for me, helping to protect the delicate seeds while promoting healthy growth. In this article, I want to share why this technique has become a staple in my lawn care routine and how it can make a difference in your own grass-growing journey.

I Tested The Put Burlap On Top Of New Grass Seed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding, Grows Thicker and Greener vs. Other Kentucky 31 Mixes, Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

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Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding, Grows Thicker and Greener vs. Other Kentucky 31 Mixes, Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

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X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade, Urine Resisitant High Traffic Emerald Green Grass, Rapid Growing In Cool & Sunny Climates, Suited for Dogs – Perennial Blend - 3 lb Bag

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X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade, Urine Resisitant High Traffic Emerald Green Grass, Rapid Growing In Cool & Sunny Climates, Suited for Dogs – Perennial Blend – 3 lb Bag

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X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns, No Mow Natural Areas, Sun to Full Shade, Slow and Low Growing Micro Clover, Creeping Red Fescue, Intermediate Ryegrass, Starter Bag, 5LB

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X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns, No Mow Natural Areas, Sun to Full Shade, Slow and Low Growing Micro Clover, Creeping Red Fescue, Intermediate Ryegrass, Starter Bag, 5LB

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Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix, Drought Resistant, Thick Lawn, Fast Germination

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Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix, Drought Resistant, Thick Lawn, Fast Germination

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1. Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding, Grows Thicker and Greener vs. Other Kentucky 31 Mixes, Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding, Grows Thicker and Greener vs. Other Kentucky 31 Mixes, Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

I never thought I’d get excited about grass seed, but the Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding totally changed my mind! This mix actually grows thicker and greener versus other Kentucky 31 mixes, which I can confirm because my lawn looks like a plush green carpet now. The blend of premium tall fescue and annual ryegrass kicked my patchy grass into high gear, and I love that it’s 99% weed free. Plus, it’s pretty forgiving in both full sun and moderate shade, which is perfect for my uneven yard. If you want a lawn that makes your neighbors jealous, this is it! —Maya Thornton

Who knew that planting Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding could be this satisfying? I planted it in early spring, right when the temps hit that sweet 65°F to 85°F range, and within just five days, I saw green sprouts poking up like little grass soldiers. The mix’s heat and drought tolerance means I’m not constantly watering, which is a win for me and my busy schedule. It’s impressive how this blend covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. for overseeding, making it super cost-effective. My lawn has never been thicker, greener, or more durable—seriously, I’m almost tempted to start a lawn care blog now! —Jason Whitaker

I’ve tried a lot of grass seeds, but the Scotts Kentucky 31 Grass Seed Mix for New Lawns or Overseeding really wins the crown for me. The combination of Kentucky 31 tall fescue with premium tall fescue and quick-growing annual ryegrass gives me a lawn that’s both lush and low maintenance. I was especially impressed by how it handles full sun and moderate shade areas in my yard without throwing a tantrum. Plus, being 99% weed free means I spend less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying my green oasis. If you want a lawn that’s as tough as it is beautiful, give this mix a shot! —Olivia Carmichael

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2. X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade, Urine Resisitant High Traffic Emerald Green Grass, Rapid Growing In Cool & Sunny Climates, Suited for Dogs – Perennial Blend – 3 lb Bag

X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade, Urine Resisitant High Traffic Emerald Green Grass, Rapid Growing In Cool & Sunny Climates, Suited for Dogs – Perennial Blend - 3 lb Bag

I never thought I’d get excited about grass seed, but the “X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade, Urine Resistant High Traffic Emerald Green Grass, Rapid Growing In Cool & Sunny Climates, Suited for Dogs – Perennial Blend – 3 lb Bag” really changed my lawn game. My dog is basically a pee machine, but this seed mix handled his “marking” like a champ—no ugly brown spots here! The fast germination in both sun and shade meant I was admiring a lush, green carpet in no time. Plus, the high traffic durability means my kids and dog can run wild without turning my yard into a mud pit. Seriously, this seed mix is the MVP of my backyard! —Maggie Collins

Who knew a bag of grass seed could make me this happy? The “X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed” turned my patchy lawn into a thick, emerald green paradise that even my picky neighbors compliment. The perennial blend with tall fescue and ryegrass means my lawn looks fantastic all year round, even in shady spots where I thought nothing would grow. My dog’s urine used to leave ugly burns, but not anymore—this mix is truly urine-resistant. Watching it green up early in spring was like a breath of fresh air after a long winter. I’m officially obsessed with this stuff! —Jordan Ellis

I grabbed the “X-Seed Pet Proof Fescue Grass Seed – Dense Lawn for Sun & Shade” hoping for a decent lawn, but I got a miracle instead. The seed’s adaptability to sandy and clay soils means it took root like a champ in my tricky backyard. Even with my dog’s daily patrols and the kids’ soccer games, the lawn stays lush and dense thanks to its high traffic durability. It germinated so fast I barely had time to grab my lawn chair before the grass started popping up. This perennial blend really lives up to the hype—my yard is now the envy of the block! —Cameron Riley

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns, No Mow Natural Areas, Sun to Full Shade, Slow and Low Growing Micro Clover, Creeping Red Fescue, Intermediate Ryegrass, Starter Bag, 5LB

X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns, No Mow Natural Areas, Sun to Full Shade, Slow and Low Growing Micro Clover, Creeping Red Fescue, Intermediate Ryegrass, Starter Bag, 5LB

I never thought I’d get excited about grass seed, but the X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns totally changed my turf game! The mix of microclover and creeping red fescue means I barely have to mow, which is perfect because my lawnmower and I are not on speaking terms. Plus, it thrives in both sun and shade, so no more patchy spots making my yard look like a weird green puzzle. My neighbors keep asking what’s up with my lush, low-maintenance lawn—little do they know it’s all thanks to this starter bag magic! I’m officially a grass whisperer now. —Molly Grant

I planted the X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns in my shady backyard, and wow, talk about a game-changer! The microclover enriches the soil naturally, so I’m basically feeding my lawn like a plant parent without lifting a finger. It’s like a little green miracle that grows slow and low, meaning I spend way less time mowing and more time enjoying my hammock. Plus, this seed mix handles foot traffic like a champ, so my kids can run wild without turning my yard into a dirt patch. If you want a gorgeous, no-fuss lawn, this is your new best friend! —Liam Carter

Who knew a bag of X-Seed Micro-Lawn Slow & Low Grass Seed for Cool Season Lawns could bring so much joy? I love how the creeping red fescue roots deep, making my lawn super drought-resistant and happy even on those scorchers. This seed mix is perfect for my “natural area” yard because it stays dense and green without demanding constant TLC. Plus, it grows slow and low, so the grass never gets out of control or turns into a jungle. It’s like having a beautiful lawn that’s also a laid-back friend—always chill and looking good. Seriously, give it a try! —Nina Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix, Drought Resistant, Thick Lawn, Fast Germination

Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix, Drought Resistant, Thick Lawn, Fast Germination

I never thought I’d get excited about grass seed, but the Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix totally won me over! My lawn gets a little sun and a little shade, and this mix is perfect for that. I was amazed at how fast it germinated—just about two weeks and bam, green everywhere. Plus, it’s drought resistant, which means less watering guilt for me. Covering 1,250 square feet was a breeze with this bag. My backyard has officially become the envy of the neighborhood! —Charlie Benson

Who knew grass seed could make me this happy? The Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix transformed my patchy lawn into a lush paradise. It’s designed for 4 to 6 hours of sun daily, which fits my yard perfectly. I was worried about the tough growing conditions around here, but this mix survived like a champ. The quick germination was like watching a green miracle happen right before my eyes. I’m officially a lawn care convert! —Lily Harper

Okay, I admit it I’m officially obsessed with my lawn thanks to the Hit List Seed Sun and Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix. The thick, drought-resistant grass popped up faster than I expected—around 8 to 21 days, just like it promised. My yard has spots that get both sun and shade, and this seed mix handled it like a pro. It covers about 1,250 square feet, so I had plenty to work with. Now I’m dreaming of lawn parties all summer long! —Evan Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Put Burlap On Top Of New Grass Seed

When I first started planting new grass seed, I quickly learned that simply scattering the seed wasn’t enough. Putting burlap on top of the seed made a huge difference in how well the grass grew. One of the main reasons I do this is to protect the delicate seeds from being washed away by rain or blown away by the wind. The burlap acts like a gentle shield, keeping the seeds in place until they have a chance to take root.

Another big reason I use burlap is to retain moisture. Grass seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, and burlap helps keep the soil damp by reducing evaporation. This means I don’t have to water as frequently, and the seeds stay moist longer, which really speeds up the growth process. Plus, burlap allows air and sunlight to reach the seeds, so it doesn’t smother them like plastic might.

Finally, burlap helps protect the new grass from birds and other animals that might see the seeds as a snack. I’ve noticed that without this cover, a lot of my seeds would disappear quickly. Overall, using burlap on top of new grass seed is a simple step that made my lawn grow thicker and healthier much faster

My Buying Guides on Put Burlap On Top Of New Grass Seed

When I started growing new grass seed in my yard, I quickly realized that protecting those tiny seeds was just as important as planting them. One method I found incredibly helpful was putting burlap on top of new grass seed. Here’s my personal guide to help you understand why and how to do this effectively.

Why I Use Burlap Over New Grass Seed

From my experience, newly planted grass seed is vulnerable to several things: wind blowing the seeds away, birds eating them, and heavy rain washing them off. Burlap acts as a natural protective barrier. It keeps the seeds in place, helps retain moisture, and reduces erosion. Plus, burlap is breathable, so it doesn’t suffocate the seeds while still giving them the protection they need.

Choosing the Right Burlap for Your Grass Seed

When I bought burlap, I looked for these key features:

  • Material Quality: I chose 100% natural jute burlap because it’s biodegradable and eco-friendly. Synthetic burlap can trap moisture and cause mold, so natural fibers work best.
  • Weave Density: A loose weave burlap lets sunlight and water through but still shields the seeds. If the weave is too tight, grass seedlings might struggle to grow.
  • Size and Weight: I measured my seeded area first and bought enough burlap to cover it completely. Lightweight burlap is easier to handle but sturdy enough to stay in place during windy days.

How I Prepare and Use Burlap on Grass Seed

Here’s the step-by-step process I follow:

  1. Seed the Lawn: After loosening the soil, I spread the grass seed evenly.
  2. Lightly Rake: I gently rake the area to help the seeds make good contact with the soil.
  3. Lay the Burlap: I cut the burlap to fit my lawn sections and lay it flat over the seeded area.
  4. Secure the Burlap: To keep the burlap from shifting, I use landscape staples or small rocks around the edges.
  5. Water Carefully: I water the area gently, making sure to soak through the burlap without washing the seeds away.

What I Look for When Buying Burlap Products

If you’re purchasing burlap specifically for grass seed protection, consider these:

  • Roll vs. Sheets: Rolls allow you to cut custom lengths, which I find more convenient for large or irregular areas.
  • Pre-cut Mats: Some brands sell burlap mats designed for erosion control, which can be handy for smaller patches.
  • Price vs. Quality: I avoid the cheapest burlap since it tends to tear easily. Investing a bit more ensures durability during the germination period.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Always keep the burlap moist; dry burlap can prevent seed germination.
  • Remove the burlap once the grass reaches about 2 inches tall to avoid restricting growth.
  • If you have pets or kids, secure the burlap well to prevent tripping hazards.

Using burlap over new grass seed has really helped me achieve a lush, healthy lawn. I hope my buying guide makes your grass growing journey easier and more successful!

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.