Quck answer
To dig up a lawn to replant grass seed, follow these steps:
1. Start by mowing the lawn as short as possible to make digging easier.
2. Use a sharp shovel or a sod cutter to cut the turf into small sections.
3. Begin removing the sections of turf, digging down about 2-3 inches to remove the grass and its roots.
4. Dispose of the removed turf or repurpose it for other areas of your lawn.
5. Once the entire lawn is dug up, use a rake or a garden tiller to loosen the soil and remove any debris.
6. Level the soil, ensuring it is smooth and even.
7. Spread grass seed evenly over the prepared soil, following the recommended seeding rate.
8. Water the newly seeded area regularly to keep the soil moist until the grass seed germinates and establishes.
9. Follow proper watering and maintenance practices to ensure the new grass grows healthy and strong.
By following these steps, you can dig up your lawn and replant grass seed to achieve a lush and beautiful lawn.
If you want to replant grass seed and need to dig up your lawn, you can do it manually using basic tools like a flat digging spade, border edger, and sod knife. However, for larger lawns, it’s recommended to rent equipment such as a gas-powered sod cutter or a skid steer for a more efficient process.
If you choose to dig up the lawn manually, there are a few things you can do to make the job easier. First, water the lawn a few days in advance to soften the soil, making it easier to remove strips of sod. It’s important to have the soil at the right consistency, not too dry or too soggy. Also, mark the location of sprinkler heads with flags to avoid accidentally damaging them. Lastly, contact 811 before you start digging to ensure you won’t damage any underground pipes or wires.
Step 1: Digging Up the Lawn by Hand
Start by inserting the digging spade or border edger vertically into the grass to make a cut at least 1.5 inches deep. Repeat this process to outline the perimeter of the lawn. You can also make additional cuts across the length and width of the lawn to create smaller sections of sod or skip this step and cut the sod into pieces as you go.
Next, insert the digging spade into one of the existing cuts and lift the edge of the sod slightly. Push the handle towards the ground until the spade is parallel with the ground, then push it forward to cut under the sod with a short stabbing motion. Peel back the sod and use a knife to remove any long weedy roots or cut out a square of sod if you didn’t make crisscross cuts earlier.
Once the first square is removed, it becomes easier to position the digging spade parallel to the ground and continue cutting out sections of sod. If needed, make deeper vertical cuts to remove all the roots. After removing all the sod, dig out any deep, weedy roots to prevent them from affecting your new lawn.
Step 2: Using a Sod Cutter
If you have a larger lawn, renting a gas-powered sod cutter is a more practical and efficient option. Although it still requires physical effort, it’s easier than manually digging up the grass. Keep in mind that renting a sod cutter can be expensive, and you may need some instruction before using it.
A sod cutter makes uniform cuts, allowing you to roll up the sod into manageable chunks or sheets. If necessary, use a shovel to cut the sod into smaller strips.
Step 3: Using a Skid Steer
For very large lawns, renting a skid steer is the best option. A skid steer with a bucket and cutting edge will “shave” the grass off the lawn and then scoop and remove the debris. For a tidier disposal method, consider getting a turf cutter attachment that rolls the sod as it cuts.
Skid steers: a costlier alternative
Skid steers are considered to be the priciest option available. Furthermore, as stated by Truck Loan Center, it may be necessary for you to possess a commercial driver’s license, depending on the weight of the specific machinery you intend to lease. If using a skid steer appears to be the quickest method for eliminating undesired grass on your land, but you lack confidence in operating agricultural machinery, it would be wise to contemplate employing a professional.
