Sowing grass seeds

Question

We just had a new home built and the contractor sowed grass seed then placed straw netting over it. While they were finishing the home, it was extremely hot and what little grass grew quickly died due to the heat and lack of water. Can I sow new seed over the netting or do I have to remove the netting first?

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Answer 1

I am not sure if the new grass seed will be able to get through the straw to germinate in the soil. The best option is to remove the netting and rake back the straw, then spread and rake in the seed according to the following articles, spread the straw back over the seed, and replace the netting if desired to keep the straw from blowing away.

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs584/
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/yard-and-garden-establishing-lawn-seed
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-seeding-tips.htm