DIY Lawn Restoration Mistakes You May Be Making

We’ve all been there – standing on our patchy and dry lawn, frustrated and unsure of what to do next. In our eagerness to bring our lawns back to life, many of us turn to DIY lawn restoration methods that we find online or hear about from friends. But as it turns out, some of these yard restoration tactics can actually do more harm than good.

At TurfTime Equipment we specialize in easy-to-use turf equipment that makes any DIY lawn restoration project stress-free AND effective!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common lawn restoration mistakes and professional lawn maintenance tips, as well as provide detailed insight on how to restore your lawn the proper way. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to avoid these missteps and get your lawn looking healthy and green once again!

How to Restore a Lawn (the right way!)

Whether your current yard restoration isn’t going as planned or you’re simply looking to boost its already beautiful appearance even more, you’ll find more than basic lawn maintenance tips here.

Read on to learn how to restore your lawn like a pro with these 5 simple steps.

Identify the Underlying Problem:

It may sound obvious, but many homeowners try to restore their lawn without first identifying the problem. For example, you might try overseeding your lawn to crowd out weeds, without dealing with the weeds directly.

Instead of blindly trying a variety of solutions, take time to identify and treat common lawn issues including compacted soil, nutrient deficiencies, weed or pest infestations, improper watering, or inadequate sunlight. You can read more about common sources of lawn damage in our article Turf Maintenance 101.

Prepare the Soil

Proper soil preparation is crucial for the success of any lawn restoration project. If the soil is compacted, lacking nutrients, or is too acidic, any new grass you plant simply won’t thrive. Too many DIY’ers ignore this important lawn restoration step and skip right to planting new grass seed.

To properly prepare your soil, start by removing weeds and debris that can compete with your grass for vital nutrients or prevent water from reaching the roots. If your soil is compacted, using a professional-grade aerator can do wonders and makes the job much easier, too.

Choose the Right Grass

Did you know that not all grass types are suitable for all climates or soil types? If your previous lawn restoration efforts didn’t work out, you may have chosen the wrong grass type to restore your lawn. Be sure to research your climate and the type of grass seed that thrives in your area before planting new grass.

Water Properly

After you’ve put in the hard work of prepping your soil and planting the right grass seed, you’ll want to make sure you water your lawn correctly for the best results. Many DIY’ers over water their lawns which can lead to waterlogging that suffocates the grass. But underwatering can also be detrimental, especially to young grass seedlings.

The key is to water your lawn infrequently, but deeply, so that your lawn grows strong roots that are drought resistant.

Avoid Over-Fertilizing

Adding too much fertilizer is a common mistake that many DIY’ers make when they aren’t sure how to restore their lawns. But applying too much fertilizer can do more harm than good, leading to excessive growth that weakens the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and pests.

To avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, be sure to read the package directions and use the correct amount. It’s also important not to fertilize your lawn until young grass has had a chance to become established. Adding fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount will promote healthy growth and root development that keeps your lawn looking great.

Lawn Maintenance Tips to Remember

There’s no doubt that yard restoration projects are a lot of hard work, but it’s often worth the effort to create that beautiful expanse of luscious green grass. The key to keeping it that way is regular maintenance. Here are some ongoing lawn maintenance tips that will keep your lawn looking green and healthy so you can avoid another round of lawn restoration.

1. Mow to the Proper Height: While everyone knows that regular mowing should be part of your lawn care routine, it’s important to mow the grass to the appropriate height for your grass type and the season of the year. As a rule, it’s best to cut the top one-third of the grass blades at a time.
2. Water Your Lawn: Remember to water your lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Watering in the early morning or late evening is best to reduce evaporation.
3. Add Top Dressing: An affordable alternative to chemical treatments, topdressing is a mixture of nutrients and sand that gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy. You can apply topdressing with a professional topdresser from Turftime Equipment.
4. Control Weeds: Remove weeds promptly to prevent them from competing with the grass for nutrients and water. Use an appropriate herbicide or pull weeds by hand, being careful to remove the entire root.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Pests: Address pest problems promptly to prevent lawn damage. Use appropriate insecticides or consult with a pest control professional for help in identifying and controlling pests.
6. Aerate Your Lawn: Aerate your lawn periodically to prevent compacted soil and improve water and nutrient absorption. Check out our recent article How to Aerate Your Lawn from the Experts for more.
7. Add Fresh Grass Seed: Fill in thin or damaged patches of grass with fresh grass seed to improve the overall health of your lawn.

Shop ALL Your Yard Restoration Equipment Needs at TurfTime!

When it comes to yard restoration for homes, sports fields, golf courses, parks and recreation areas, and more, TurfTime Equipment has the professional turf equipment you need to create a healthy and vibrant lawn faster and easier than ever before.

With over a decade of experience, we’re the top national dealer for premium yard restoration and ground maintenance equipment that’s built to last.