How to Reseed Grass
Every now and then, patches of grass die, leaving unsightly brown spots in a lawn. A number of variables can kill grass, including drought, excess heat, animal urine, frequent trampling, fungi and insects. But once areas of grass are dead, reseeding with new grass is necessary to return the lawn to a vibrant, green state. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hand spade or herbicide
- Lawn mower
- Dethatching rake
- Grass seed
- Seed spreader (optional)
- Lawn aerator (optional)
Instructions
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1
Identify any weeds in the area being reseeded. Remove individual weeds with a hand spade, being sure to remove the roots of the plant. Apply a weed-killer herbicide to larger patches of weeds if necessary. If you are using an herbicide, wait until the product labeling says it is safe to plant before continuing.
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2
Mow the lawn to the mower's shortest setting.
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Go over the area vigorously with a dethatching rake to remove grass clippings, debris and accumulated thatch. Score the surface of the soil while you're raking. Larger bare areas may require the use of a lawn aerator.
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4
Sprinkle the grass seed in the bare patches by hand. Rake again to work the seed into the soil. For larger areas, use a mechanical seed spreader.
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Moisten the soil. Water daily to keep the soil moist for 45 to 60 days, even after small sprouts appear.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also used a power rake to dethatch the dead grass and score the soil.
Fall is a good time to re-seed your lawn.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
