RENOVATION
"Turning the old into the new"
'If your existing lawn is composed of less than 30% desirable lawn grasses, or you are simply not satisfied with its performance, renovation may well be in order. Remember, the optimal time to renovate a lawn in the midwest is any time from late August to early October. Here are some guidelines to follow for a successful establishment of your new lawn:
1. Take soil samples to test the pH and nutrient availability of the soil.
- There are a number of independent and university labs that will perform these tests for a small fee.
2. Mow (scalp) existing turf down as low as possible, preferably under 1". Be sure to collect these clippings off the ground.
3. Immediately following mowing, kill existing lawn with one or a combination of nonselective herbicides.
- Glyphosate works well at this and is sold under the name Kleen Up and Roundup. Be sure to allow 7 to 10 days before continuing.
3. Fill in any low spots in lawn with quality topsoil.
4. Verticut to a depth of at least 1" into the soil.
5. Rake up and remove all debris that are brought up by verticutting.
6. Seed lawn with a well adapted turfgrass at proper rates.
7. Make recommended amendments to the soil based on pH and fertility tests.
- Lime can be added to reduce acidity while sulfur can be added to reduce alkalinity. Fertilizers such as Milorganite will provide slow organic release of Nitrogen to the young turf, while starter fertilizers (12-12-12) will allow proper amounts of N, P, and K. Be sure to adhere to recommended rates!!
8. Keep surface of the newly seeded stand moist by frequent and light waterings.
9. New turf can be mowed when height of grass is 1/3" above its desired height of cut.
For example, if turf will be cut at 2", first mowing can be performed when turf reaches 3". Be sure that seedlings are dry and mower blade is sharp when mowing new stand of grass.
Refrences:
How to take a soil sample...and why
