Lawn repair is usually a project that many like to have done in the spring and fall seasons. Usually, the process starts with having the lawn replanted. There are several steps to that process and we complete this process from start to finish. Many of our clients often ask us the question, “Should I plant grass seed or kill the weeds first?” The answer is rather simple. The weeds should be killed first. Any weeds and poor looking grass around the lawn should be killed before any seeds are planted. The answer to the question is pretty straight forward and so is the process. At the start of the spring and at the start of the fall season completing the following steps will replant and repair your lawn.
The lawn should be cleared of any weeds and dead or poor looking grass. To complete this a nonselective herbicide is used. This should be sprayed in those areas about two weeks before the grass is going to be planted. After the grass and weeds have turned brown it is time to rake it out and remove all the debris around the area. This ensures that the ground can be easily prepared for new seed and that working in the area is easier.
Next, it is time to prepare that soil for success. Preparing the soil is the best practice for achieving a greener and lusher lawn. The soil is the success story in this book. It has to be well taken care of and treated with respect for it to be able to germinate and grow the best looking grass on the block. The best way to prepare the soil is to have it aerated. The entire lawn should be aerated with special attention given to any areas that have had the grass removed. In the areas with no grass, the soil needs to be aerated in both directions. This allows the ground to be broken up and make sure there is no compact earthy material. Along with breaking up the soil in the area where the grass or weeds have been removed a layer of compost should be added and worked into the existing soil. Because herbicides have been applied to this area, it is important to add and regain the nutrients to the soil. The compost should have a blend of formulated rich soil and composted materials. This provides the area with an excellent environment for growing those new seedlings. Now the ground has been prepared for the seed and is ready for the next step.
Adding the seed to the prepared lawn is a process that is completed with care. But before the grass seed is planted it is important to make sure that the right species of seed is planted. Selecting the right species will ensure that the lush, green, and beautiful lawn can even be achieved. Selecting the seed is based on the location that it is being planted. In the north, one type of grass is used that keeps it greener longer in the colder months and in the south, another type is used to keep it green during the hot months of the summer. Along with those conditions also considerate the sun exposure along with how much wear and tear it will receive. Reviewing the types of grass before a purchase is as important as the preparation of the soil. All these steps work together to make a lawn look wonderful all year long.
Now that the lawn has been prepared and the right seed has been selected it is time to spread the grass. Using a spreader that is controlled by hand or a spreader that is on wheels it makes no difference as long as the grass gets to the soil and the ratio is right. Each bag has a suggested ratio that needs to be used when the seed is applied. Following this suggestion ensures that the grass is not under seeded and then it is left with bare spots. After the grass has been spread there are grass feeds out there that help provide the seedlings with nutrients that promote the young grass to root faster and deeper. It not only provides it with nutrients but many also have additional benefits that prevent weeds from sprouting in the lawn for a period of time.
Lastly, watering the grass. Having a proper watering schedule is critical to the success of the lawn. The surface of the soil has to be moist and watering it daily will keep it that way. It will need to be watered daily until the new grass is about two to three inches tall.
See Also
How to Lay Gravel Over Grass