How to Seed a Lawn After Dethatching

Lawns with a thatch layer of more than 1/2 inch should be dethatched, according to the Kansas State University. Dethatching should occur at the beginning of the lawn's growing season. For example, warm-season grasses should be dethatched in the spring and cool-season lawns should be dethatched in the fall. Because dethatching creates bare areas or thin lawns where weeds can grow, seeding must be conducted immediately after removing the thatch layer.

Grass seed
Garden rake
Dethatcher
Fertilizer
Lawn mower

Instructions

- 1
  Broadcast grass seed over the entire yard to fix thinning grass and bare areas. Distribution rates are determined by the type of grass being planted. For example, perennial ryegrass should be distributed at a rate of 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, while tall fescue should be seeded at a rate of 6 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.
- 2
  Rake the seed lightly into the seedbed or cross the area again with the dethatching machine. Set the power dethatcher to a medium level.
- 3
  Moisten the entire lawn with water. Keep the soil moist for two to three weeks to allow the grass seeds to germinate. Dry soil will cause the grass seed to wither.
- 4
  Apply 10 lbs.of 10-10-10 fertilizer over 1,000 square feet after the seedlings in the whole lawn have emerged. Water the fertilizer to allow the nutrients to become absorbed into the soil and supply nutrients to the root systems.
- 5
  Mow the lawn after the seedlings have reached more than 3 inches in height. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn to contribute extra nitrogen to the soil for grass growth.

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