How to Correct Sparse Grass

Mow the grass to 1-inch tall, using a bagger attachment to collect all grass debris. Rake the grass clippings from the area if there is no bagger attachment available.

Rake the lawn to loosen the soil and remove built-up thatch over the surface. Go over the lawn in a north-south direction and repeat in an east-west direction for best results.

Sow grass seed over the prepared lawn using a broadcast spreader. Set the spreader to release the seeds at a half rate. Walk in straight lines in a north-south direction and repeat in an east-west direction to get a full and even coverage of seeds. Use the seed quantity for overseeding listed on the package.

Apply a seed starting fertilizer across the seeded area after sowing the grass seeds. Follow the package instructions for an application rate based on the lawn area. Rake the overseeded lawn to push the seeds into the soil after spreading.

Moisten the lawn with 1/2 inch of water using a sprinkler. Set a small tin can in the middle of the lawn to measure the water application. Apply 1/2 inch of water to the soil each day until the seed germinates and sprouts. Provide supplemental water to the lawn when the weekly rainfall is less than 1 inch during grass establishment.

Mow the lawn once the new grass is over 3 inches. Set the blade to 3 inches to prevent damaging the new lawn growth with a short mowing. Lightly rake the area after mowing, or use a bagger, to prevent thatch build up while the grass continues to establish.