How to Kill Weeds & Plant Grass Seed
- 1). Remove existing weeds by pulling them up, roots and all, either by hand or using a small spade shovel. Physical removal, as opposed to using lawn chemicals, is the safest, fastest and most effective method of total weed removal.
- 2). Rake the lawn area clear of rocks and organic debris using a flexible, metal rake.
- 3). Sow the grass seed evenly throughout the lawn using a fertilizer spreader. In areas with existing mature grass use 2 to 3 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet; in areas with sparsely growing grass or where the weed infestation is more severe use 4 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet.
- 4). Sprinkle a light dusting of lawn lime over the seeds using a spreader. Lawn lime is a long-term method of increasing the top soil's pH balance, which facilitates a full, grassy, yard.
- 5). Add 1/4 to 3/4 inch of clean compost or peat moss fertilizer over the lime and seeds using a spreader. Evenly distribute the fertilizer by gently raking the surface. Light mixing of the the seeds, lime, and fertilizer is preferred; however, no more than 20 percent of the lime and seeds should be visible from the surface.
- 6). Water the newly seeded area once daily for two weeks or until the seedlings are visible above the fertilizer.
- 7). Trim back branches and bushes that block sunlight from the lawn using outdoor trimmers. Direct sunlight will enhance initial seed growth and ensure a healthy, weed-free, mature lawn.
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