Steps
- Remove the current lawn. This can be done using an herbicide, such as a less dangerous one like Roundup. If you do this, wait 2-3 weeks for the lawn to die. It is also possible to dig up lawn but this requires replacement of the soil. Seek advice from a professional and see "Tips" below.
- Sow grass seed and fertilizer right on top of the old lawn. None of the old lawn needs to be removed.
- Spread peat moss to cover the old lawn.
- Water the area immediately, and keep watering it daily as the weather requires. In cool weather, once a day will do. In hot weather, twice a day might be required. Just do not let the peat moss dry out.
- Keep watering until the new lawn sprouts and fills in. From that point, apply standard lawn care.
Tips
- Alternately: Place an ad in the classifieds or on craigslist.com to sell or give the sod away. When ready to sell or give away the sod rent a sod cutter at an equipment rental store, and in straight lines, cut the lawn into strips, then simply grab an end and roll the sod up, , or place the sod-rolls in your green waste recycling can if you have one. Don't cut the sod until it's ready to be leave your yard, sod has a "shelf life" of a little over 24 hours. Then continue from #3 as above.
Warnings
- Beware of Roundup around any plants you hope to keep. Also wear a mask, gloves and long clothing to cover your skin during use.
Things You'll Need
- Roundup or similar herbicide; or use a sod cutter
- Grass seed or lawn strips
- Hose to keep lawn watered
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