| I would like to renovate a lawn that is primarily crab grass and weeds. What would be the appropriate steps that I should take as I consider this process? Thanks |
| Lawn renovation is a huge undertaking, but if you do it properly, you'll be rewarded with a lush, green, weed free lawn. Follow these steps to renovate a lawn. 1. Kill existing grass and weeds using a non-selective herbicide. The most effective products contain glyphosate. 2. Glyphosate is only effective on actively growing grass and weeds, so the area should be well-irrigated to encourage plant growth before applying the herbicide. 3. Allow the spray to dry for one day following application. Resume watering for 10 days. Spot spray areas or weeds that are still green. 4. When the existing vegetation is dead, mow the site to 1/2 inch and remove the debris by hand raking or using the bagging unit on your lawn mower. 5. If there is an existing thatch layer (a matted layer of organic matter on the soil surface) thicker than 1 inch, remove it from the lawn (a sod cutter makes thatch removal easier). 6. A thatch layer less than 1 inch is okay, but the soil must be exposed. ? Core cultivating provides an excellent seed germination environment. Holes should be 1 to 3 inches deep and 2 inches apart in all directions. ? A power rake, set deep enough to expose the soil, can also be run over the lawn in two different directions. Remove loose debris by raking or using a bagging unit attached to your lawn mower. 7. Spread seed on exposed soil to allow for good seed to soil contact. 8. Seed at the label?s recommended rate with a drop spreader in two different directions. Follow with a light raking to work the seed into the soil. Keep the grass seeds well watered and you should see the area greening up in 7-10 days. Best wishes with your project! |
