till the soil for new seeds if you intend to install a new lawn or improve an old oneYou have to clear the lawn of debris.Feed the new seeds withfertilizer.When you dig up the lawn with a shovel, the aerated soil will help you achieve a lush lawn that is envy of the neighborhood.You should request utility locations at least 2 days before you start, and follow all directions.
Step 1: There is debris on the lawn.
It is time to remove the junk from your lawn.It is easy to spot and remove sticks from nearby trees, rocks, and large weeds.Don't forget to pick up litter left behind from a BBQ or the neighbor's children.All heads, valve boxes, controller wiring, and any other sprinkler parts can be found if you have underground sprinklers.
Step 2: There are still rocks in the soil.
Rocks are in the way of tilling a beautiful lawn.You can find roots under rocks.They should be far away from your lawn.Don't forget to remove any rocks hidden under the surface as you work.
Step 3: You should fill the holes in the lawn.
If you don't want to cut sod, buy topsoil at a gardening store and use it as a substitute.Dirt can be removed from higher points on the lawn.Raking over these areas will even out the soil.It's a good time to take a few soil samples for testing to make sure the levels are right.
Step 4: You can dig up the lawn.
The top layer of the soil needs to be removed.It is perfect for creating a clean garden bed since the soil is bare.Define the area you want to dig with spray paint.The boundaries have a spade six inches deep.The spade can cut under grass and weeds.You can rent a sod cutter from a home improvement store.If you don't mind spending money, it will do the same job as your spade and save you some work.When the soil is not saturated to the point of puddling, sodding is easier.There is a chance of a light rain.
Step 5: The sod must be divided into strips.
You can use a yardstick here.Measure out one edge of the sod at a time.Push your spade down to mark each spot.You will need to dig lines all the way across the other side.The lines should be straight.You can use a string or hose to guide you.If you want the best results, use a half moon shaped manual edging tool.
Step 6: Take the sod strips and make small pieces.
You would throw out your back if you tried to carry the sod.Take the time to divide the sod further.Measure along the length of the strips.Use your spade to split the strips.Continue until the strips are divided.
Step 7: Roll up the grass.
Return to the edge of the sod.Pick up one of the strips.You can use your spade to lift it.Remove the roots from the remaining soil with a spade or knife.Roll the sod up like carpets.Roll them all after the first strip because it will be easier to do after that.A healthy lawn is a great base for a garden.Before you begin tilling, either compost it or turn it upside down.There is a waste center that accepts organics.You can find home or business owners that will buy compost from any city dump.
Step 8: The lawn should be sprayed with a weedkiller.
Killing the old lawn is the simplest way to clear a large space and start fresh.Glyphosate weedkillers kill grass and weeds.It is important to get rid of weeds before they overrun your lawn.Keep family away while spraying and cover nearby plants with plastic.The World Health Organization considersGlyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen.It is not allowed in some states and countries.If handling this chemical, please check with your local laws.Wait the recommended time to allow the weed killer to evaporate before beginning prep work, and be sure to follow all directions properly.If you don't get rid of the weeds now, tilling can spread them further.Don't let them take over your lawn.
Step 9: If you want to kill the grass, cover it.
Purchase black poly film or a lawn coloring at the home improvement store.Hold this covering over your lawn with bricks and stakes.The grass will turn brown after a few weeks.Remove the covering when the grass is dried out.If you don't want to mess with chemicals or rent a sod cutter, this is the option for you.It may grow back in time if you leave it on long enough to kill the root systems of the unwanted vegetation.
Step 10: Take out the dead grass.
You will need a rake and muscle power for this.The plant matter should be removed from the soil.It sounds like a lot of work, but you will get a good workout.At the end of the day, your reward is a nice lawn.
Step 11: To till it, water it hard.
Softening the soil will make it easier to do your job.The weather is unpredictable and a light rain will serve you well.Break out the garden hose for bone-dry summer soil.The soil is about two inches deep.Look for the soil to be moist rather than soggy.The soil should be between your fingers.When you press it flat, the moist soil falls apart.
Step 12: The amendments should be spread over the soil.
The substances you want to mix into the soil should be covered.If you find any useful amendments, go first.They should be spread an inch thick.Whatever you do, cover the area with two inches of compost orfertilizer.Store-bought products are formulated for new lawn growth.You can spread them with a rake, but a machine spreader saves a lot of time.
Step 13: The soil should be cut six to eight inches deep with the rototiller.
There are machines that break up soil.Rental of rotillers can be done from a home improvement store.There is a depth bar on the side of the rototiller.It should be set between six and eight inches.You can dig up the lawn with a spade or shovel if you don't want a rototiller.Unless you are digging a small garden patch, the rototiller is worth the cost.
Step 14: The lawn should start from east to west.
You can use the rototiller the same way as a lawnmower.The lawn has one edge that is run over.When you get to the end, turn around and go back to where you started.Continue until you are done.There should be no gaps between the lines.It is best to avoid tilling near trees.The roots can be damaged by the rototiller.
Step 15: To finish up, keep the lawn from the north to the south.
Go over the lawn again to make sure the dirt is not broken.Go in the opposite direction.If you went from left to right before, go from top to bottom this time.
Step 16: Take a rake and smooth over the soil.
The rake is on the side.It will be ready for planting when you level out the soil.