How to Rejuvenate a Dying Lawn

Photo:  Kindra Clineff

• Time: Two days
• Cost: $585
  seed and
  compost, $165 tool rental
• Difficulty: Hard

Introduction

Q: How can I fix my half-dead lawn, which is full of yellow patches, weeds, and bare spots? — Phil sutton, Burlington, Mass.

TOH Landscape Contractor Roger Cook replies: When a lawn is more than 50 percent dead—whether it's due to soil compaction, not getting enough water, being cut too short, or some other problem—it's easiest to remove all the grass and start over with fresh seed.

The first step is to have the soil tested by a local extension service to see if it needs amending. Once the test results are in, order the recommended soil amendments and compost. Then rent a sod cutter to slice up the old grass and a rotary tiller to fluff up the soil and blend in the amendments. With these tools, you can redo an 1,800-square-foot lawn in a weekend.

Finally, spread fresh seed over the prepared soil and water it daily. You want the top layer of soil to stay evenly moist until the seeds germinate. By spring's end, your lawn should look as good as new.

Shown: To ensure a lush lawn, Roger Cook opens the spreader completely to drop the maximum amount of seed.

Steps

• Introduction
• 1. Cut the sod
• 2. Remove the grass
• 3. Till the soil
• 4. Spread compost
• 5. Grade the soil
• 6. Spread the seed

Helpful Info:

Video: How to Revitalize a Lawn

Article: All About Lawns

Video: How to Seed a New Lawn

Skill Builder: How to Read a Seed-Bag Label

Video: How to Test Soil

Skill Builder: Quick Fixes for Lawn Problems

Gallery: All About Push Lawn Mowers

Gallery: How to Deal With Common Lawn Problems

Gallery: 9 Steps to a Lush Lawn

Video: How to Maintain a Lawn Organically

Video: How to Fertilize a Lawn

Video: How to Mow a Lawn