Spring and fall are ideal times to renovate a lawn, although success can be achieved in the summer. Renovation involves the removal of thatch, grass and weeds, while thinning the lawn to permit the introduction of improved varieties like those found in Pro Time Lawn Seed mixes.

The result is a beautiful, uniform new lawn without roto-tilling.

Use a hard-tine rake or if needed rent a dethatcher (power rake) to remove dead vegetation and to expose the soil. Remove excess.

Rent a core-aerator to pull plugs from the soil. This is an important step because it enables soil enrichment. Rake off cores after aerating.

*Pro Tip: Add lime at a rate of 50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft to achieve a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Most lawns benefit from an annual application of lime, available at our Portland store.

If the soil has a high clay content and/or holds water during the rainy season, backfill aeration holes with Profile Turface MVP soil modifier [click here to find a retailer near you] at the rate of 1 bag per 200-300 square feet and/or a good soil compost blend from a trusted local supplier. 

Rake the area until smooth with a leaf rake.

Seed and Fertilizer Application

Spread the PT lawn seed you have selected for your site at the recommended rate with a broadcast spreader. Earthway spreaders are available in our shop and online.

Completely cover the seedbed with an approximately 1/8″ layer of PT's Grass Straw Mulch, applied by hand or with an expanded mesh mulch spreader. Grass mulch is a sustainable alternative to peat moss and helps to protect the planting, holds in warmth and moisture, while also allowing beneficial UV rays to penetrate to the seedlings. We sell mulch bales in our Portland shop and rent the spreaders, specifically designed for this product.

One pass with the spreader will deliver the proper amount of mulch and will provide the perfect microclimate for seed germination.

Water to keep seed moist at all times during the germination period--at least 3 weeks or until the seedlings are an inch or so tall. Then less frequent, but deeper watering for establishment. Apply an organic fertilizer after mowing the new planting for the first time. Please refer to more detailed PT Planting Instructions on this site.

When the whole lawn doesn’t need renovating and problems are somewhat localized, spot repairs can be effective. Seed-to-soil contact is the key in spot repairing your lawn.

Remove any offensive weeds using the method of your choice. Fill in the void spots with Pro Time Lawn Seed to be sure that weeds don’t return to fill in. You CAN choose what grows in your lawn!

In areas where moss in the lawn is predominant, control the moss first with a product that contains ferous ammonium sulfate (iron). Then, remove the dead moss by raking or dethatching. Moss will return if the lawn is thin, so overseeding with Pro Time Lawn seed is essential for complete recovery. (If moss persists from year to year, consider supplementing soil with Profile Soil Conditioner, a porous ceramic that allows water, air and nutrients to be held at the root level.)

Broadcast a starter fertilizer and overseed with Pro Time Lawn Seed at the rate noted on the package. Cover the seed with Grass Straw Mulch, spreading a 1/8" layer with a mulch roller or by hand for smaller areas. Keep the area moist, but without puddles, until the new lawn is established. Once roots of new plants have established, keep the new grasses growing thickly by fertilizing with a slow-release, organic fertilizer.