, but even an old lawn can continue to thrive with proper care and overseeding. Conversely, mismanagement can cause irreparable damage over time, and many old lawns are past the point of saving. If your lawn has dead patches where soil shows, and you’ve tried to revive it with no success, reseeding (or resodding) the lawn might be your only option.
For Kentucky bluegrass lawns in Utah, you’ll want to reseed in spring or fall because temperatures are ideal. To reseed your lawn with the best results, you’ll need to start with a clear area. Make sure your yard is free of weeds, previous turf, and large boulders. You should also make sure the area is properly leveled and graded to allow water to flow away from your home. Next, you should test the soil, apply soil amendments if needed, spread the seed, and add a thin layer of peat moss if desired. Make sure you keep the area damp to allow the seeds to grow.
1. Remove all the old, patchy grass and weeds in the area.
The first step is getting rid of the existing turf and weeds. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Use ground clear (non-selective) weed spray.
- Cover the lawn with multiple layers of cardboard for several weeks.
- Use a machine to tear out the grass manually.
The ground clear method may take multiple sprays and a couple of weeks. It can take longer if it rains. If you choose the cardboard method, layer the cardboard over the grass, then wet it. You can also cover the area with mulch or grass clippings if you choose. You’ll need to keep the lawn covered for at least a month or two, so it’s best to try this method in the fall. Tearing the lawn out manually is the fastest option, but it’s also the most strenuous. Whichever method you choose, you’ll need to till the soil afterward.
2. Till the soil and take a soil sample.
Use a tiller to mix up the soil and take a soil sample to send to a local testing lab. The USU extension has an affordable option for soil testing. You’ll need to take soil from various parts of the lawn, mix it, then send about 2 cups of soil to the testing center. They should send your test results within a few weeks. After you receive the results of the soil test, add compost or other soil amendments as needed.
3. Level out the soil and spread the grass seed.
Next, you should level out the soil and make sure it’s graded so the water runs away from the house. Use a seed spreader to distribute the grass seeds, then work them into the soil with a rake to increase seed-to-soil contact.
4. Cover with a thin layer of peat moss or black compost.
After laying the grass seed, spread a thin layer of peat moss or compost over the area. This will help the area retain moisture and hide the grass seed to prevent birds from eating it.
5. Keep the area damp by watering daily.
Make sure the grass never dries out. For the new grass seed to take root, the soil needs to stay damp until the grass starts to grow. After it starts sprouting, you can water less often, but you should still water deeply about twice a week to keep moisture in the soil. Once the grass is well established, follow our watering guide to keep your lawn healthy all year long.
We do not offer re-seeding services, but we do offer a lawn spraying service that includes seasonal fertilizer, weed control, and grub control. Call or text our office at 801-226-2261 for a free lawn service quote!