In this video, I take you through the process of reviving a tired lawn, from a heavy-duty cleanup to applying the perfect blend of nutrients and growth regulators. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn care enthusiast or just starting, these steps can help you achieve a healthier, more vibrant lawn.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Scarifying for a Fresh Start
I began by scarifying the lawn. This process uses a machine with tines to vertically scratch into the turf, removing built-up debris – a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that lies between the soil and the green blades of grass. Removing this debris is crucial because it allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively, promoting healthier grass growth. It will occasionally snatch up so long running brown stolons that need to be cut and cleaned out.
Step 2: The Big Scalp
Next, I “scalped” the lawn, which is a more aggressive mowing technique where you cut the grass much shorter than usual. This helps to reset the lawn, removing any remaining thatch and preparing the ground for new growth. A heavy rainstorm rolled in shortly after, which, as many of you know, can cause its own set of problems, including washing up debris and compacting the soil.
Step 3: A Post-Rain Cleanup with the Stihl RLA 240
To address the aftermath of the rain, I brought out the Stihl RLA 240. This tool is a fantastic scarifier that helped me tackle the grass and debris that the rain had washed up. It’s a great way to ensure the lawn is clean and ready for the next steps.
Step 4: The Recovery and Green-Up Plan
With the lawn prepped, it was time to help it recover and green up. I applied Contec 18-3-18 from The Andersons. This professional-grade fertilizer is formulated to provide a balanced diet of essential nutrients. The high nitrogen content (18) helps with rapid green-up, while the phosphorus (3) and potassium (18) support root health and overall plant vigor. This application is key to helping the grass bounce back from the stress of scarifying and scalping.
Step 5: Slowing Down with Governor G
Finally, with an 8-day vacation on the horizon, I needed a way to manage the lawn’s growth while I was away. I applied Governor G, a plant growth regulator (PGR). PGRs don’t stop growth entirely; instead, they work to slow vertical growth and promote horizontal growth. This results in a denser, thicker turf that is less likely to become overgrown in a short period. It also reduces the need for frequent mowing, which was perfect for my travel plans.
The Final Result
By combining these steps—aggressive cleanup, nutrient application, and strategic growth regulation—I was able to set my lawn on the path to recovery and ensure it would be in great shape when I returned. It’s a great example of how a few key techniques can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your lawn.
Check out my blog for more videos on maintaining a Bermuda lawn.
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