Repairing an Existing Lawn
Renovating a lawn becomes necessary when the quality has fallen
below an acceptable level. It may be advisable to start over completely
if more than 50% of the lawn area is bare soil or covered with weeds, if
there is an excessive thatch layer that cannot be corrected by ordinary
renovation techniques, or if the soil is extremely compacted. Refer to "Starting
a New Lawn," Tip #904.
Consider renovating the existing lawn when less than 50% of the grass is dead or covered with weeds, or if there is an easily correctable thatch layer. The best time to renovate the lawn is mid-August to mid-September.
The first step is determining why the lawn quality declined in the first place. Correcting that situation will prevent its happening again. Common causes include increasing amounts of shade due to tree growth, compaction of the soil, or poor soil fertility.
Before starting your renovation, get a soil test to determine if the soil lacks any essential nutrients or if the pH level needs correcting. Test kits are available at Bachman's Garden Centers or you can take a sample to the University of Minnesota soil testing laboratory.
Kill any weeds in the lawn before starting the renovation. If using an herbicide, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions explicitly regarding the length of time to wait before seeding. When you use herbicides, such as Roundup or Finale, you can seed again within 10 days. Two or three days before beginning the renovation, water the area well, soaking the top six-to-eight inches of soil.
Start by removing the thatch layer. In large areas, use a dethatcher, also called a power rake or vertical mower. Remove all the debris left by the dethatcher and compost the material. If compaction is a problem, run an aerator over the area three-to-five times, in a different direction with each pass. Leave the plugs on the lawn; in time, they will break up and disappear into the soil.
When you are ready to seed, apply Bachman's Lawn Starter to the lawn. Follow the recommended rate for seeding the lawn. It is very important to select the right type of grass seed that is suitable for the area. Consider the hours of available sunlight and how the area is to be used. Ask Bachman's experts for advice on which grass seed is best for your situation. Use a rotary spreader to sow the seed over a large area. Divide the seed lot in half and seed in two directions to ensure uniform coverage. Gently rake the seed into the soil. Twenty percent of the seed could be visible on the soil surface after the process is complete. Adding ¼ inch of peat moss over the newly-seeded area will help protect the seed. Water lightly and keep the soil surface moist, not soggy. Restrict traffic in the area for at least four weeks. Begin mowing when the grass gets 3½ inches tall. Keep the lawn 2½-to-3 inches tall during the growing season. If this project was done in the Spring, fertilize again in late Fall.
For further information, read online our care sheet on "Seeding your Lawn", "Herbicide Basics", and "Lawn Care Calendar".
Revised: 03/10/98
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