How to Fix Dead Grass Beside the Driveway

Oftentimes, gardeners have problems with growing grass beside driveways because of salt runoff during the winter or gasoline spills near cars. It is important to figure out what has caused the dead grass before overseeding the area to prevent future problems. The best time to fix dead grass is in the early or late spring depending on the grass type. Soil temperatures in the early spring favor cool-season grass types, while late spring soil temperatures benefit warm-season grass varieties.

Rake
Herbicide
Fertilizer
Grass seed
Sod
Trowel
Sand

Instructions

- 1
  Rake away the dead grass beside the driveway. Remove all vegetation such as weeds, using a herbicide that contains glyphosate. Follow the label instructions for application details. Wait five to 14 days for the glyphosate to kill weeds and leach out of the soil.
- 2
  Work into the first 2 to 4 inches of top soil a starter fertilizer that contains a high percentage of phosphorous, per label instructions. Phosphorus helps young grass seedlings develop strong root systems.
- 3
  Water the planting area to moisten the soil. Distribute grass seeds in the bare areas or lay down a piece of sod over the soil. Cover the grass seed with 1/8-inch compost. If you are laying sod, cut the sod with a trowel to fit the bare area.
- 4
  Keep the sod or grass seed moist for two weeks. Refrain from stepping on seedlings or sod for three weeks.
- 5
  Fertilize the seedlings or sodded areas in six to eight weeks with a fertilizer that contains nitrogen. Spread nitrogen at a rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet.

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