Kewless wrote:
On 13-Apr-2007, "dean" wrote:


Is it possible to just throw a bunch of grass seed onto an existing
lawn, one that is not worth starting again from scratch, but that
could use thickening up?

Would I have to throw some soil down on top? I need to be able to
continue cutting it every week. I have around 1/2 acre to do.


A lawn will recover (and grow thick and lush) if it's allowed to
recover! One of THE most common mistakes in caring for a lawn
is that folks tend to set their mowers way, WAAAY too low. Now,
I'm not saying this is what you're doing, Dean. But if by chance
you are... Please, stop now and give your lawn a break, will ya?
; )

I fertiize once a year, rarely seed, and never water. And yet I
consistently have one of the greenest lawns in the neighborhood.
Why? Because I refuse to cut too short and damage my lawn's
root system. It makes a world of difference.

Right on! If the lawn is a little thin, without large dead areas, the
best result for the money might be to fertilize. Proper watering and
mowing do a great deal to keep a lawn healthy and free of weeds. After
it is fertilized, it should fill in on it's own; then, treat once for
broadleaf weeds (not in hot, dry weather).

If the soil is very hard packed, you might need aeration. A soil test
at the extension service can show significant pests or chemical problems.