Lawn Renovation Preparation: How to Set Yourself Up for Success

Lawn renovation isn’t just about making your grass look better (although it definitely helps with that). It also helps to:

• Remove thatch build-up that blocks water and nutrients

• Reduce compaction and improve soil structure

• Fix patchy or uneven areas

• Remove weeds and undesirable grass species

• Promote strong, even, and healthy regrowth

Renovation is ideal heading into spring or early autumn, depending on your grass type and location. A proper lawn renovation sets the stage for long-term lawn health.

Before diving into any renovation, take stock of your current lawn condition:

• Thatch level : Grab a small core sample. More than 1cm of thatch? It’s time to dethatch.

• Weed pressure : Is your lawn full of broadleaf weeds or winter grass?

• Compaction : Is water pooling or are the roots shallow?

• Coverage : Are there bare patches or thin areas?

Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can tailor your lawn renovation prep to suit. Understanding these key areas will ensure you carry out the right renovation methods for your specific lawn.

There’s no point renovating over weeds. Tackle them ahead of time:

• Use a selective herbicide like Bow and Arrow for broadleaf weeds.

• For winter grass, use a targeted herbicide like Odessa .

• Allow 7–10 days post-herbicide before starting renovation work.

Proper weed control ensures your lawn renovation doesn’t get undermined by aggressive invaders.

A few days before or the day of, mow your lawn down nice and low. This will:

• Remove excess leaf material

• Make dethatching and aerating more effective

• Allow sunlight to reach new shoots after renovation

Be careful not to take off too much in one mow. Gradually reduce the height over 2–3 sessions to avoid shocking your lawn. This approach will make your lawn renovation more successful.

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that builds up between the soil and the green part of your lawn. If it’s too thick, it prevents air, water, and nutrients from getting where they’re needed.

• Use a scarifier or dethatching machine to remove thatch.

• Collect and remove debris so it doesn’t smother your lawn.

• You can hire a machine or use a powered dethatcher like the Ryobi.

Dethatching is one of the most critical lawn renovation tasks.

Compacted soil restricts root growth. Aeration opens up your soil, improving drainage and oxygen flow:

• Use a core aerator or garden fork to punch holes throughout the lawn.

• Focus on high-traffic and compacted areas.

• Aeration is especially important for clay-based soils.

A well-aerated lawn will respond much better during the renovation process.

Topdressing helps level uneven areas, improves soil quality, and protects emerging shoots:

• Use washed river sand or a sand-soil blend depending on your goal.

• Spread with a lawn level tool like our 40-Inch Lawn Level.

• Apply evenly, aiming for 5–10mm coverage.

• Avoid burying the crown of the grass – you want the leaf tips poking through.

This renovation step gives your lawn the best base for regrowth.

For cool-season lawns or large bare areas, you might want to:

• Overseed with ryegrass or fescue

• Sprig couch or kikuyu by spreading fresh scarifying clippings and topdressing

Make sure to keep moisture up after sowing or sprigging for the first 2–3 weeks. Overseeding can dramatically enhance your lawn renovation results.

• Start with Dominate Fertiliser immediately after renovation to kickstart root recovery and growth.

• After about two weeks, follow up with Pure Balance , Pure Seaweed+ , and Pure Iron+ to boost strength, resilience, and colour.

• Apply Pure Wetter to help water soak evenly into the soil and improve penetration.

A good fertiliser program post-renovation is vital for recovery and growth.

• Water regularly for the first few weeks to help the lawn recover

• Avoid traffic on freshly renovated lawns

• Stay patient – it can take 3–6 weeks sometimes longer to fully bounce back depending on the season

Your efforts in renovation will be rewarded with a healthier, more vibrant lawn.

Lawn renovation may seem like a lot of work, but it’s one of the best ways to completely transform your yard. With the right preparation, the proper timing, and a step-by-step approach, you’ll set your lawn up for long-term success. Whether your goal is a thicker lawn, fewer weeds, or just a more even finish, renovation gives you a clean slate to work with. Stick with the plan, and you’ll be enjoying a lush, green lawn in no time.