• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Renovate Lawns

Fall is a great time to renovate thin or poor quality lawns. 

Renovation is the last step before replacement.  Use this method for lawns that are thin, have lots of bare spots or are full of weeds.

Start by removing the thatch layer if it is greater than ½ inch thick.  Use a vertical mower, known as a dethatching machine, on actively growing lawns to cut through the thatch layer and insure seed-to-soil contact. Rake and compost the thatch.

Or use a core aerator to remove plugs of soil and thatch, relieve soil compaction, break through the thatch layer, and provide good seed-to-soil contact.

Spread grass seed over the renovated area using a broadcast or drop type spreader.  

Continue to mow and water the lawn as needed.  And wait a month before fertilizing the lawn with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer.

A bit more information: Consider renting a slit seeder if thatch is not a problem.  This machine cuts slits into the ground and drops the seeds in place, insuring good seed-to-soil contact for better seed germination

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI

Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants

Register here

Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden

Register here

Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants

Register here

March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs

Register here

March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here


March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation

Register here

March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A

Register here

April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here


April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here


May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here


May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property

Register here

June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds

Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win 3 Collections of Longfield Gardens
Dahlia Bulbs

ENTER NOW