Renovate an Existing Lawn

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When a poor lawn has the proper grade and a well-drained soil, it can be more easily improved through renovation, rather than complete reconstruction. Using professional quality tools and top-grade products available at Hobbs & Hopkins, allows most residential lawn renovation projects to be accomplished in a single week-end. We have developed this no-till method to provide the do-it-yourselfer an easier, faster, less expensive way to replace a tired old lawn. Since the resulting new lawn is in and established usually within 4 weeks or so, it can be an ideal way to quickly improve the appearance and value of any property.

Spring, Summer, and Fall are ideal times to renovate a lawn. Renovation involves the removal of thatch, grass and weeds, while thinning the lawn down to the soil to permit soil enrichment and the introduction of improved varieties of grasses like those found in ProTime Lawn Seed Mixes. The result is a beautiful, uniform new lawn without rototilling.

STEP 1: Remove Existing Lawn

Spray the existing lawn with effective herbicide that contains glyphosate, such as Roundup. Wait 7-10 days or as suggested by the herbicide label. As soon as the existing grasses and weeds have died, use a de-thatcher (power rake) to remove dead vegetation and to expose the soil. Rake up and remove excess debris as needed.

Optionally you can remove the entire sod layer with a sod-cutter.

STEP 2: Core-aerate

 

 

Using a power aerator, core-aerate the area. This is an important step because it opens holes into the root zone of your soil, enabling soil enrichment. Remove the cores after core-aerating.

STEP 3: Soil Amendment

 

 

 

 

Spread Profile or Turface MVP porous ceramic soil modifier at rates of 50 to 100 pounds per 1000 square feet to improve the soil structure.

Rake the area with a landscape rake to move as much of the porous ceramic into the aeration holes as possible. Using a power blower and/or de-thatcher can assist this process. Broadcast Key-To-Green Starter Fertilizer at a rate of 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.

STEP 4: Seed

Select enough of the proper ProTime Lawn Seed mixture to reseed the entire lawn. We can suggest the proper seed mix for your particular site. Follow seeding rates recommended on the package generally 7 pounds per 1000 square feet. Spread seed with a drop, broadcast, or whirlybird spreader.

STEP 5: Mulch

Cover the seed with Pro-Time Grass Straw Mulch, applied through the Mulch Roller. One pass will deliver the proper amount (approximately 1/8 inch thick) of mulch and will provide the perfect microclimate for seed germination.

STEP 6: Water

Keep the area moist, but not soaking, throughout the germination and establishment period.

Expect to see new grass blades emerging in 7-10 days. Mow the new lawn when it reaches 2 to 3 inches or the tops of the new grass blades begin to curl over. It is essential that your mower blade be sharp, otherwise the mowing process may rip the new seedlings right out of the soil.

The selected varieties of lawn seed in ProTime Lawn Seed are your assurance of a picture perfect lawn that will thrive and persist for years to come in our Northwest climate.