How to Reseed a Dead Turf Lawn

Rejuvenating a lawn with dead turf not just improves the look of your home, but in addition creates a healthier environment for the new grass to develop. Identifying and treating the reason for your lawn's decline aids increase the new turf establishment. Turf dies for many reasons, such as grubs, over-fertilization, drought and unsuitable conditions for the number of grass. No matter whether you should replace an entire lawn or reseed dead patches, renovating your turf within the spring or fall gives you the best benefits.

1. Mow the lawn using the mower set for the lowest setting. Rake up the grass and debris. This permits the seed to attain the soil much better, while also loosening the top of the soil slightly.
2. Remove the dead turf in the lawn. Scrape small locations of dead grass making use of a spade. If large portions of the lawn want replaced, a dethatcher or sod cutter will speed up the process. Stick to the manufacturer's directions to remove all the dead turf and thatch. Dispose of the turf and dirt in compost or via your locale's trash service.
3. Check for grub activity within the soil. Dig up a square foot in the top layer of soil employing a trowel. Treat the lawn if you see more than six grubs. Spread nematodes or insecticide over the entire lawn according towards the directions around the packaging.
4. Aerate the lawn employing an aerator available at tool rental businesses. Make a pass as you would using a lawn mower in rows more than the lawn. Comply with the directions included with the unit for operation. Aerating the lawn enables the seed, fertilizer and any grub treatment to attain deeper into the soil. additionally, it improves soil structure and airflow for the turf's roots.
5. Determine the type of turf grass you have should you be repairing patches and match the new seed to the current grass. If the entire lawn wants reseeding, choose a variety that fits your growing conditions. For example, a shady mix works best inside a lawn the receives much less than eight hours of sun day-to-day.
6. Pour half the advised amount of grass seed based on the size of one's yard along with the package directions into a spreader. Walk the spreader in horizontal rows more than the whole lawn. Add the rest from the suggested amount of grass seed to the seeder and stroll it in vertical rows over the lawn. Rake the seed in making use of a stiff rake.
7. Apply a lawn starter fertilizer. Use the amount advised around the bag for the size of your lawn. Pour the fertilizer into a spreader and make passes in rows over the whole lawn.
8. Spread a 1/4 inch layer of mulch more than the seed to safeguard it from pests, prevent erosion and conserve moisture. Use weed-free marsh hay, straw or peat for mulch. The mulch material will break down as the grass grows.
9. Water the lawn completely. Continue to water enough to keep the soil moist until the seed germinates and the grass grows.

Items You Will Need

• Mower
• Rake
• Spade
• Dethatcher
• Trowel
• Aerator
• Seed spreader
• Fertilizer

Tips

Grubs look like small, 1/2-inch white worms with legs. Grubs eat the roots on the grass causing dead patches inside the lawn. Treating for grubs just before seeding assists prevent further situation.

Make contact with your neighborhood county extension service for any regulations on employing insecticides and fertilizers on your lawn.

Warnings

Wait until all the seed germinates and the grass reaches at least 3 inches prior to mowing the new turf. Remove no more than a third of the height around the first mowing. Set your mower height based on the type of turf grass you planted for upkeep mowing.

Apply fertilize no sooner than four weeks soon after germination of the new grass.