Lawn Renovation on Thin Soil Over Sand

A Massachusetts lawn has only 2–4 inches of soil over sand. Renovation steps:

1. Kill existing weeds with glyphosate (Roundup); wait a few days, then till.
2. Add topsoil/compost to achieve 6–8 inch depth if possible; at minimum, till amendments into existing 2–4".
3. Hydroseed or broadcast seed (8–10 lbs/1000 sq ft) in early September.
4. Keep seedbed constantly moist (water several times daily) until germination.
5. Transition to deep weekly watering; sandy soil may need 2–3x/week in summer.
6. Fertilize late spring, early fall, late fall with slow-release nitrogen.
7. Mow high (2.5–3.5") to retain moisture.

Fall seeding gives grass two growing seasons (fall, spring) before summer stress.