How to Restart a Grass Lawn

Kill the existing grass and weeds to clear out the area for replanting the desired grass. Spray a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate over the vegetation to kill them within four days to a week. Because the weed killer targets actively growing grass and weeds, irrigate the area beforehand to encourage plant growth.

Inspect the grass or weeds that remain green despite the herbicide and repeat application. Mow the grass to 1/2 inch and rake the debris to collect and discard it.

Remove thatch from the area if it is thicker than 1 inch. The matted layer of organic matter, including plant debris and grass clippings, prevents water and nutrients from penetrating the soil to reach plant roots. Use a sod cutter over the area, starting from one corner of the site and working your way to the other corner.

Aerate the soil using a core cultivator to create 1- to 3-inch-deep holes over the site, spaced 2 inches apart. Aerating compacted soils loosens it so water and nutrients penetrate it easier.

Rake the soil to collect loose debris, grass, plugs, stones, rocks and weeds from the soil and clear it for planting. Collect these in a wheelbarrow or tarp and dispose.

Spread your desired grass seed over the prepared soil. Pour grass seeds into a handheld broadcast spreader and crank its handle so you disperse the seed evenly over the area. Also spread starter fertilizer over the seeds, following label directions for dosage recommendations. Once spread, rake the seeds lightly to ensure they go 1/4 inch in the soil.

Irrigate the area two to three times a day, for five to 10 minutes for the first week so the soil remains evenly moist at all times. After the seeds germinate, water for 20 to 30 minutes every day for two weeks.