Give your lawn the TLC it needs to grow lush, green grass.
Could your lawn use an overhaul?
Use this step-by-step guide to give your grassy areas a fresh start.
Credit: Adam Albright
Diagnose the Lawn Problem
Before fixing a lawn, step back and look at the big picture.
Take a moment to figure out the issue to help you avoid similar issues after replanting.
For example, ifgrubs are the problem, youll need to treat for them before anything else.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Or consider adding landscaping features like a fire pit where grass struggles to grow.
That will have the added benefit ofcutting down the mowingneeded.
Spray your existing grass with a non-selective herbicide, which will kill all vegetation it touches.
Credit: Adam Albright
ensure to read andfollow all directions on the labelto avoid damaging nearby non-target plants or harming wildlife.
Rake, Rake, Repeat
Next step in grass replacement?
Visit your local rental center and get a power rake orleaf vacuum.
Credit: Adam Albright
(The Home Depot sometimes has a few available to rent in your area!).
Ask the clerk to show you how to adjust the blades to save yourself frustration.
Power raking will remove excess organic material and aerate the soil, allowing your new lawn to take root.
Credit: Adam Albright
You want to leave just the barest layer (about 1/4 inch) of thatch on the ground.
Then rake off the remaining debris.
Youll know youve raked enough when you see equal amounts of bare soil and dead grass stems.
Credit: Adam Albright
Then spread athin layer of compost over the soiland rake it in evenly.
Seed the Lawn
Now its time toplant new grass.
If youre using seed, follow the instructions on the package to determine how much youll need to use.
Credit: Scott Little
Cut a small trench for sprigging and use a sod plugger for plugs.
it’s possible for you to usually buy this where you purchased the plugs.
Water Your New Lawn Well
Once everythings planted, youll need to keep your renovated lawn moist.
Credit: Scott Little
For the first week or so after planting, be sure the soil doesnt go dry.
This may mean watering a couple of times a day early on (for short, five-minute applications).
Its alsocrucial to water evenly, so your seed doesnt wash away,creating bare spots.
Just be sure to wait until theres growth because you canburn rootsif you fertilize too early.
This will discourage weeds and encourage the spread of your new grass.
This simple step makes a huge difference in the success of replacing lawns!
Then mow as you usually would to keep the grass at the height you want it.
