How to Get Grass to Grow in a Lawn That Is Mostly Weeds

While most homeowners prefer to start yard projects in spring, according to the University of Minnesota at Morris, the best time to get grass to grow on a lawn that is mostly weeds is in the fall. In spring, anything you do to encourage grass growth will also encourage weed growth. You'll have a much easier time of shifting the balance in the grass's favor between mid-August and mid-September. This is when weeds are the least active, but the weather is still mild enough to support a new lawn.

Broad-spectrum herbicide
Trowel
Rake
Hand tiller
Sprinkler
Grass seed
Lawn roller

Instructions

- 1
  Kill the weeds currently growing in the lawn. The easiest way to kill weeds in a heavily infested lawn is to spray them with a broad-spectrum lawn herbicide. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application methods and amounts. Herbicides that come equipped with hose end sprayers are easiest to apply to the entire lawn. Use a hand-held spray bottle for spot treatments. Ensure there is no new growth for at least two weeks before moving on to the next step.
- 2
  Remove all of the dead plant material from the lawn, roots and all. Also remove any rocks or other plant matter or debris as you work.
- 3
  Loosen the soil you intend to sod or seed to a depth of 2 to 4 inches, using a heavy metal-tined garden rake or hand tiller. Rake the soil smooth.
- 4
  Water the lawn with roughly 2 inches of water and allow the lawn to settle for three days. Fill in any low spots with commercial topsoil and allow the lawn to settle for three more days.
- 5
  Rake the surface of the soil smooth. Spread grass seed with a broadcast or drop spreader at the rate recommended for the species of grass you are growing. Rates and amounts are usually listed on the back of the bag.
- 6
  Walk over the grass seed or roll an empty lawn roller over it to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- 7
  Water the lawn with a sprinkler or fine spray from a hose to keep the top 2 inches of soil moist until the grass reaches 2 to 3 inches in height.

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