Overseeding and Dead Grass

Removing Dead Grass

• Kill off any weeds on the lawn with an herbicide that contains glyphosate. It is important to wait five to 14 days to overseed your lawn after spraying herbicide, to prevent soil residue from harming your grass seed, according to the University of Minnesota. Remove your dead grass and thatch layer with a power rake. A power rake may be rented from a local gardening supply store. Push the power rake back and forth across the lawn. Rake up the debris.

Soil Compaction

• Use a core aerator to improve your soil drainage. Core aerators are rented out from gardening supply stores. A core aerator removes plugs of soil from the lawn to allow for better drainage and air flow. Typically, these machines remove plugs from 1/3 to 3/4 inch in diameter, 1 inch to 6 inches deep, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Moisten the soil before aerating the lawn to make soil removal easier. Push the core aerator in two different directions when aerating.

Starter Fertilizer

• Improve the fertility of your soil with starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizer has a high percentage of phosphorus. You can use a starter fertilizer with a NPK amount of 10-20-10 at a rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to the University of California. Apply half of the starter fertilizer horizontally across the lawn with a rotary spreader. Apply the remaining half of the fertilizer crosswise to achieve an even coverage. Water the lawn, so that the starter fertilizer soaks into the first 2 inches of topsoil.

Overseeding

• Water your lawn to moisten the soil before overseeding. The amount of grass seed you distribute depends on the type of lawn you are growing. For example, Kentucky bluegrass must be distributed at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to the University of Kentucky. Divide the amount of grass seed you intend to use in half. Using a drop spreader, spread half the seed in one direction, then apply the rest of the seed crosswise for even coverage. Cover the grass seed with 1/8 inch of potting soil, topsoil or compost.