Extreme Lawn Makeover

Control-Alt-Delete!

In today's high tech world of computers, the internet, and 4G mobile applications what can you do when you're frustrated with a program and you just want to start over? Do what I do and "Control-Alt-Delete" and start all over. While we all admire and encourage those who relentlessly defend their turf against crabgrass, there comes a time when the best strategy is to give up and "re-boot" your lawn. That time is when your lawn only has 30 to 40 percent desirable grass left in a given area and the rest is lost to crabgrass and other weeds. A total lawn renovation is all about planning and timing. If you have ever thought about it, now is the time to start planning.

If the majority of your lawn is crabgrass or other weeds and very little desirable grass, Grass Pad's Idiot Proof Total Lawn Renovation using Glyphosate (Round-Up®) should start in August. Short days, cool nights and welcome rain promise lower water bills in September for fall seeding and sodding projects. Homeowners should take a tip from Mother Nature and start their fall over seeding program today. August is a perfect time to plant grass seed.

• Step 1- Mid-August apply glyphosate (Round-Up) over entire lawn. Careful to keep overspray off wanted shrubs and flowers.
• Step 2- Wait 7-10 days then aerify the turf by slicing, coring, spiking or with dethatching equipment which will help relieve soil compaction and eliminate thatch. Soil should be moist, not wet.
• Step 3- Rake the lawn to remove heavy clippings or other debris. Rough the surface of the soil giving special attention to bare spots.
• Step 4- Apply Loveland Golf Course Starter® fertilizer at 8 lbs. per 1000 sq ft.
• Step 5- Spread the Grass Pad seed of your choice with a rotary or a hand cranked spreader.
• Step 6- On bare spots apply a light top dressing of  PrimeraFC seed dressing. DO NOT USE TOPSOIL! Topsoil has weed seeds.
• Step 7- Water lightly so the soil surface is moist. Continue watering lightly, daily as needed, so the soil does not become hard or baked.
• Step 8- When the seedling reach a height of 3-4 inches, mow to a height of 3 inches with a sharp mower at a time when the grass is not wet.
• Step 9- Reapply Loveland Golf Course Starter® after 4 weeks.
• Step 10- to promote deep roots apply Loveland Snowman® to seeded area in late Fall. (Oct/Nov)