Does anyone have any suggestions for getting dead grass out of a lawn?

Question

My family just moved into a new home and I am trying to get up about three years worth of dead grass. Does anyone have any ideas aside from using a rake or a can of gasoline? (the gasoline was a joke, just in case someone thought I was serious)

Answer 1

If you are talking about dead grass clippings use a lawn mower with a bag & catch it all, or use a back pack blower as you would with fall leaves--much easier than raking!

If you're speaking of patches of dead grass, where the lawn has been abused try using something like Scott's Quick Fix grass seed.

Aerate the area, toss the seeds on & if you can sprinkle a light coating of top soil on it, then cover with straw..this keep the rain & wind from washing or blowing the seeds away...also helps discourage birds from eating it!

Also lots of folks make the mistake of cutting their lawn too short...epecially if they are getting ready to go on vacation & don't want a hayfield when they return, however, this is very bad for your grass & will cause sunburn & the grass can't always recover quickly.

A great way to aerate your lawn, is by wearing cleats everytime you use the push mower! :-)

Good Luck!

Answer 2

There's a tool called a de-thatcher that you can put on the back of a tractor. It's basically like a humongous rake. I has heavy spring loaded tines that pull the dead grass out of your yard like a garden rake does. You can probably rent one at a place like Lowe's or contact a local landscaping company and they may know where you can rent one.

A lawnmower with a grass catcher won't pick up 3 years worth of grass since it is embedded deed down in the grass. That's why you need a de-thatcher.

Answer 3

'Scarafying' is the recommended method. You may be able to hire a Scarafier. If you do not think you can use the rake because of the size of the garden, then this is highly recommended. The old dead grass is called 'thatch' and besides rotting into the ground, it harbours grass rot. Scarify it visciously, add plenty of sharp sand and aeriate the area. Seed as soon as most of the thatch has been gathered. A hard job but well worth doing. Any problem, speak to one of the greenkeepers at your local golf course. They will know what I am talking about. Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm afraid it's going to take a lot of patience. The best way is to rake and rake, we have an electric rake which you push along similar to a lawn mower, however it works wonders. Once you have achieved your goal ensure that the lawn is well raked after each mowing. Good luck.

Answer 5

You can use a thatcher, it resembles a rake or you could burn it (this is not a joke) by doing a controlled burn it will rejuvenates the lawn, you do not however use gasoline and you would probably be doing this in the spring or fall.

Answer 6

nope, sorry, but we do use a rake and a wheel barrow, and the kids have their own rake, and little wheel barrow. We all go out and help. We each have our piles, put the grass in piles, and wheel barrow it across the road in the ditch (more out in the country though) It ended up being alot of fun with everyone helping, and didn't take as long. In a medium-sized yard

Answer 7

Yes. If you can afford it rip up your old lawn and sod the whole thing over, this way you will have that plush green lawn you always wanted just keep it watered(constantly) for about 2 weeks and the roots should catch, and if you live in a hot climate just double the amount of time you water it.

Hope I was helpful.

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 8

actually the best way is to burn it out. sounds extreem but it works. green grass will not burn and then you can use some speedy grass to get it gping again. this is what we always did in the country when winter was over. just remember to get a fire permit from the city.

Answer 9

I feel for you...we just moved in to a new house and it's over taken by weeds...it's a huge yard and we want to plant nice grass..but, them weeds!! we're killing them off and pulling them out ourselves!! then, we're tilling the dirt and planting new grass! it's a lot of hard work....I think y'all will have to manually work on that yard!
good luck!

Answer 10

Mow short, rake and bag all old stuff, then topdress with good soil and reseed.