Q&A for How to Replace an Old Lawn

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How do you know if your lawn needs dethatching?

Jeremy Yamaguchi
Lawn Care Specialist
Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others.

Jeremy Yamaguchi

Lawn Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Thatch is a layer of plants (dead and living) that builds up in your lawn overtime. Thatch is beneficial until it becomes thicker than one inch (1.25 cm). When you should dethatch depends on the type of grass you’re growing. You don’t ever want to dethatch when your grass has become dormant, so figuring out your lawn's growing season is important when it comes to dethatching.

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Question

If the lawn is 30 years old with thick roots but it is mostly crabgrass, how far down should I rototill?

Community Answer

Rototilling alone will just spread the crabgrass! Chemically kill the area of lawn you want replaced. It is important to follow the instructions on the chemical you use. Then rototill and seed the lawn. Water well and allow the new grass to grow to several inches before mowing.

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Question

Can a weed-filled lawn be replaced by ajuga, clover or thyme without grass removal?

Community Answer

Yes, but put down a good weed and feed first. Wait a week, then spread some topsoil over area. Find out what grass type grows best in your area. Clover or zoysia are good choices.

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Question

What grass grows in a shady yard?

Community Answer

St. Augustine and Dwarf Mondo Grass are both possible options.

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