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SirWalterBuffalo 15

By Lily Wright

January 13 2025

6 Minute(s) read

How to renovate a lawn

 

Revamp your lawn with these easy renovation tips

Renovating your lawn doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few vigorous lawn maintenance activities and some DIY spirit, you can bring your existing lawn back to life. Whether it’s dealing with dead grass, compacted soil, or those pesky winter weeds, a well-planned lawn renovation can transform your outdoor space. 

What is lawn renovation, and why should you consider it?

Understanding lawn renovation

Lawn renovation is all about breathing new life into tired, worn-out lawns. It includes specific soil improvements like aerating, overseeding, and fertilising to refresh the grass and tackle common lawn issues like thinning, broadleaf weeds, and compacted soil. 

 

  • Why renovate? A good lawn renovation enhances your yard’s aesthetics, strengthens it against pests, and rejuvenates the soil surface for healthier growth. 
  • Signs your lawn needs help: If you’re noticing thin spots, dead grass, and soil compaction, it’s time to consider a renovation.

 

This guide will help you DIY your way to a better lawn, but if you’d rather follow along with a video, we’ve got one for you here:

 

Step-by-step guide: How to renovate a lawn

Step 1: Assess and prepare your lawn

Start by taking a good look at your lawn. Identify areas with dead grass, compacted soil, or an excess of weeds.



  • Mowing and dethatching: Mow your lawn short and remove any thatch to expose the soil, setting up the perfect base for renovation. For mowing tips, check out our mowing advice.
  • Aeration: Grab a garden fork or manual aerating device to poke holes in the soil. This reduces compaction, boosts water absorption, and encourages stronger grass roots.

Step 2: Control weeds and improve the soil

Get on top of weeds early to give your grass the best chance to thrive.



  • Weed control: Remove weeds by hand or use a suitable herbicide. Our weed control guide can help with more details.
  • Specific soil improvements: Depending on your soil, you might need to add sand for better drainage or compost to boost nutrients. Specific soil improvements are a game-changer when setting up for a successful renovation.

Step 3: Seed and fertilise your lawn

Overseeding and fertilising are crucial to thickening your lawn and promoting robust growth.


  • Overseeding tips: Spread grass seed evenly, paying close attention to bare patches. If you’re using couch grass, ensure it’s sown properly. Explore different turf options.
  • Fertilising for success: Apply a balanced fertiliser to kickstart growth. Need more details? Check out our range of fertilising solutions.

Step 4: Water and maintain your lawn

Proper watering is essential, especially right after seeding. Consistent moisture helps with lawn establishment and promotes deep root growth.


  • Initial watering: Keep the soil moist without overdoing it. For a more detailed guide on watering, refer to our new lawn care guide.
  • Routine maintenance: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong roots. Don’t forget that regular, vigorous lawn maintenance activities like proper mowing and timely fertilisation are crucial for your lawn’s success.

If you’re curious about how a lawn renovation progresses, check out our 5-week post-reno video!

Costs and considerations for lawn renovation

How much does lawn renovation cost?

Costs vary depending on the size of your lawn, the materials needed, and whether you are doing a DIY or hiring a pro.


  • DIY costs: Include seeds, fertilisers, soil amendments, and equipment rentals. To make things easier for you, our online lawn care shop has everything you need.
  • Professional options: While more expensive, hiring a professional can save time and ensure a high-quality finish.

Saving money on your lawn renovation

Renovating your lawn doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep costs down while still achieving great results:

 

  • Share or borrow tools: Instead of purchasing new equipment, consider borrowing or sharing tools like aerators, spreaders, and mowers with neighbours or friends. This approach not only saves money but also fosters a sense of community.
  • Bulk buys: Buying seeds, fertilisers, and soil amendments in bulk can lead to significant savings. Look for local suppliers who offer discounts on larger quantities or team up with neighbours to split costs on bulk purchases.

FAQs on lawn renovation

Our video on commonly asked lawn questions will give you even more insights than what we cover here. Check it out!

What should I do if my lawn is severely compacted?

If your lawn is severely compacted, aerating the soil is essential. Use a manual aerating device or a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, which helps alleviate compaction and improve air, water, and nutrient flow to the grass roots. For best results, aerate when the soil is moist but not overly wet, and follow up with a light application of compost to enhance soil structure.

How can I remove thick thatch before starting a lawn renovation?

Thick thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil. Remove it by using a dethatching rake or a power dethatcher, setting the blades to lightly cut through the thatch without damaging the grass blades. If the thatch layer exceeds 1.5 cm, consider a professional service or repeating the process in stages to avoid shocking the lawn.

How do I handle bare patches during renovation?

For bare patches, start by loosening the soil surface with a garden fork to improve seed-to-soil contact. Spread grass seed evenly over the patches, and lightly rake to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not saturated. For a comprehensive fill, use a seed mix that matches your existing lawn or the desired grass type.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during lawn renovation?

Common mistakes include overseeding without proper soil preparation, neglecting to water consistently after planting seeds, and applying fertilisers at the wrong time. Always follow a structured approach: prepare the soil, control weeds, choose the right grass seeds, and stick to a regular watering and maintenance schedule to support healthy growth.

How can I improve drainage issues in my lawn?

Poor drainage can lead to root diseases and weak grass. Address drainage by aerating the lawn and incorporating sand or organic matter to improve soil structure. For areas with persistent waterlogging, consider installing French drains or grading the area to direct excess water away from the lawn. Regularly aerating and managing the thatch layer can also help prevent drainage problems from reoccurring.

Enjoy your revitalised lawn!

By following these steps, you can bring your lawn back to life, turning it into the green, lush space you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s a full overhaul or just touching up troubled areas, timing and proper care are key. For more tips and tricks, swing by our lawn care guide or give us a ring!