Question
I'm up in Boston and just finished a major remodel on my house.  I know it was late to do this, but I had my lawn (which was destroyed by the construction activities) hydroseeded last week (my options were limited).  It's been 8 days and no germination yet.  I want to confirm that I should not rake up the leaves (and the seeds & seedlings) this season and that the leaves will actually protect the seeds/seedlings from frost and errosion.

Answer
Good Lord, Ken, what is wrong with all my fellow Americans?

One wants to put down sod next week in Missouri.  Another fertilized, after a perfect (and costly) sod job in Georgia, with high Nitrogen Scotts and killed the entire lawn.  And here you are, you hydroseeded LAST WEEK?  IN BOSTON?????

OK, you did say "I know it was late".  It was TOOOOOO late, Ken.

I understand the ugliness of construction crap all over the landscape.  Of course you didn't want to be staring at these things.

Maybe... Maybe... Maybe Mother Nature will put a little spin on the Boston weather for a month.

At this time of year, in these temps, grass takes AT LEAST a month to GERMINATE.  If you rake it up, you'll rake up the seed.  If it stays down there, MAYBE it will be viable in the spring.  And that would be very nice!

The leaves would normally be bad to keep down.  But that's on sod and germinated new grass.  Normal grass relishes autumn leaves.  They do not cause fungus - imbalance in the soil is what causes fungus.  I just want to make that point because I am hoping you are not going to be one of those people who mows/rakes and takes away all that natural Nitrogen.

Try not to walk on the seeds.  I would be interested to hear what happens next spring.

If you notice signs of light green life in April, you're in business.  Get out the mushroom compost and some bonemeal and sprinkle it on.  Might be a good idea to do a soil test before you lime.  Who knows what's going on in that new construction-laced garden soil.

Thanks for writing.  Wish I could have a secret formula for this.  I am surprised at how many people try to squeeze this in.  Can't blame them.  Fall is the time to do this.  But spring - that's OK too.

Good luck in Boston.  Keep me posted.