How to Fix a Dying Lawn

Check the thatch layer of the lawn by pushing a ruler through the grass to the soil. Thatch is the layer of living and dead organic material between the grass blades and soil. A layer thicker than 1/2 inch encourages weed growth, prevents grass from spreading and creates a hospitable environment for disease.

Push a power dethatcher across the lawn to remove an excessive thatch layer. Gardeners must also remove thatch in order to re-seed their lawns, because grass seed must have contact with the soil to germinate. Rake up the dead debris from the lawn.

Aerate the soil by pushing a core aerator across the lawn. Core aerators remove plugs of turf 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and 1 to 6 inches long to increase air flow and drainage for healthy grass growth. Rake up the plugs of dirt and discard them.

Apply herbicide to kill any weeds. Use an herbicide that contains glyphosate to kill any unwanted vegetation in the yard. Wait two weeks to over-seed the lawn.

Apply a starter fertilizer to the lawn. Starter fertilizers contain high percentages of phosphorus to help grass seedlings root. Use 5-10-5 fertilizer at a rate of 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

Mow the lawn before seeding to reduce the risk of grass competing with seeds for the soil's moisture and nutrients.

Pour grass seeds into a drop spreader. Distribute grass seeds at their recommended rate to prevent seedling competition. For example, bermuda grass seed is distributed at a rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet. Seedling competition prolongs grass establishment times.

Water the lawn two to three times a day to keep soil moist for grass seed germination. Reduce watering to one to two times a week when you see seedlings appear.