Tips on Total Lawn Restoration

Step 1 - (Early August) Spray Eraser®, a non selective herbicide, over the entire lawn and weeds, using manufactures recommended mixing rates. Being careful to keep overspray off desirable shrubs, leaves and flowers. (After  extended drought periods, it is recommended to water your lawn 2-3 times the week prior to applying Eraser®. This will help bring the grass & weeds out of dormancy helping the plant to absorb more herbicide for a better kill.)

Step 2 - Wait 7-10 days, rake or mow (with grass catcher) to remove heavy clippings and debris.

Step 3 - After removing debris, verticut and/or core aerate the turf area. Verticutting slices or grooves the soil creating the best seed to soil contact. Core aerating will help relieve soil compaction and eliminate thatch. (Prepare your soil with adequate watering 2-3 days in advance. Soil should be moist, not soggy wet.) 

Step 4 -  This is the best time to apply gypsum for soil conditioning. Lawn Cal gypsum is beneficial for areas containing heavy sodium concentrates from road salts, ice melters and dog urine. Lawn Cal gypsum will also help to breakdown heavy clay to improve drainage.

Step 5 - Apply LoveLand Golf Course Starter or Renovator to the entire area.

Step 6 - Apply same day your favorite Grass Pad grass seed at the recommended rate. Using a rotary broadcast or hand cranked spreader for best seed distribution.

Step 7 - Over bare areas apply a light top dressing of weed free PrimeraFC® seed dressing. DO NOT USE STRAW, TOPSOIL, or COMPOSTED PEATS containing weed seeds from the fields they were taken.

Step 8 - Water lightly so the soil surface is moist. Continue watering lightly, daily as needed, so the soil does not become hard or baked. As grass starts to germinate and fill in, reduce the watering frequency, but increase the amount of water before irrigation. Deep watering as the grass matures, will train the roots to grow deep.

Step 9 - When the seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, mow to a height of 3 inches with a sharp mower at a time when the grass is not wet.

Step 10 - After 4 weeks, apply a booster shot of LoveLand Golf Course Starter or Renovator.

Step 11 - 4 weeks after the booster shot, apply LoveLand Snowman, winter root builder.

If the majority of your lawn is crabgrass or other weeds and very little desirable grass, Grass Pad's Idiot Proof Total Lawn Restoration starts in early August. 

Uncle's tip: Using Mark It™, spray marker in your mix. Saves time and material when you can see where you have sprayed.