How to Replant Your Own Lawn

Apply herbicide over existing grass. Wear protective clothing, eyeglasses and a face mask before applying glyphosate herbicide over the undesirable grass. Pour or spray the herbicide over the grass, but not to the point of runoff. After the grass has died off, mow it down to 1/2 an inch.

De-thatch the area if the thatch layer is thicker than 1 inch using a sod cutter. Thatch, the layer of organic matter such as grass clippings and accumulated plant debris, creates a matted barrier that prevents moisture and nutrients from reaching the roots of grass plants. Alternatively, punch 1- to 2-inch deep holes spaced 2 to 4 inches apart over the area using a core aerator. Skip this step if the layer of thatch is less than 1 inch; however, ensure that the soil is exposed.

Rake plant plugs, debris, dead grass, weeds and stones from the area to prepare it for planting grass seed. Collect the material in a wheelbarrow and dispose of it.

Pour half the desired variety of grass seed in a hand-held spreader. Ideally, you need 4 lbs. of grass seed per 1,000 square-foot area. Crank the spreader's handle as you walk over the area in one direction, starting from one corner of the lawn to the other. Pour the other half in the spreader and walk in a different direction, applying the grass seed at right angles to the previous half. This method ensures uniform and even seed coverage, without missing spots in soil.

Apply seed starter fertilizer over the seeds, following the dosage recommendations stated on the label. Rake the seeds lightly in the soil to plant them 1/4-inch deep.

Water the newly planted grass seeds three times a day until they germinate, which takes one to two weeks, depending on the variety of grass. Reduce watering to two times a week to help the grass grow, and gradually taper it to once a week.