Step-by-Step Lawn Renovation: Kill, Prep, Seed, Succeed

When to Start Over

If the lawn is >15 years old, mostly crabgrass, and generally poor, a full renovation with modern hybrids pays off.

The Process

1. Kill everything – Glyphosate (Roundup), wait for brown, rake clean.
2. Soil prep – Loosen topsoil, incorporate compost/topsoil if needed, test pH.
3. Seed selection – Tall fescue ('Rembrandt', 'Plantation') for shade; sun areas: Kentucky bluegrass/perennial rye blend. Match your zone.
4. Seed – Broadcast at recommended rate, keep top 1" moist (water 2–3×/day if warm).
5. Establish – Gradually shift to deep, infrequent watering. Mow when 3–4" tall.

Upgrade to Hybrids

New cultivars are more disease/drought resistant, better texture, less work. Shop certified seed from reputable sources (turf-seed.com, Scott's, local extension).

Timeline

Small test patch (5×5 ft) in spring; full lawn next spring if satisfied. Expect 4–6 weeks for initial cover, full maturity in a season.