What You'll Need
- Non-selective herbicide – LAWNZ Eliminate
- Surfactant – LAWNZ Surfex
-
Rotary mower (not a reel mower)
- Rake or broom
- Starter fertiliser – LAWNZ Amplify
- Grass seed –choose based on lawn conditions
- Lawn roller
- Water source and applicator (sprinkler/hose)
- PPE – Gloves, mask, long sleeves/pants, eye protection
Step-by-Step Lawn Renovation Process
1. Kill Off Weeds and Assess Soil Health
Spray herbicide:
Apply LAWNZ Eliminate with Surfex surfactant to remove your old lawn and weeds. This is especially important for lawns overrun with kikuyu, couch, or paspalum.
Wait until the lawn is fully dead before continuing — a second spray may be required.
Soil testing (optional, but recommended):
Book a soil test 3–4 weeks before renovation (e.g. through Hill Labs) to check for nutrient deficiencies or pH issues. Amend your soil based on the results.
2. Mow, De-thatch, and Aerate
Mow low:
Cut the lawn to 20mm using a rotary mower. Remove clippings and debris with a rake or broom.
Remove thatch:
Use a rake or dethatcher to lift excess thatch and dead matter.
Aerate:
Use a core aerator to relieve compaction and create channels for seed and nutrients.
Tip: If needed, apply lime or gypsum based on your soil test results — before or immediately after aerating.
3. Level and Topdress the Lawn
Remove plugs:
Allow soil cores to dry, then remove with a rake, dethatcher, or rotary mower.
Topdress:
Use a quality lawn topdressing mix (topsoil and sand) to fill in low spots and level the surface. Use a leveller or rake to smooth and fill core holes.
4. Fertilise the Seedbed
Apply LAWNZ Amplify:
Spread Amplify at 1.5–2.0kg per 100m² to give your new lawn the nutrients it needs to establish quickly (N, P, K).
Tip: If you haven’t already done a soil test, now’s still a good time.
5. Seed the Lawn
Choose the right seed:
- Sunny lawns: LAWNZ Eclipse or Exceed Perennial Ryegrass
- Partial shade: LAWNZ Grand Tall Fescue
- Heavy shade: LAWNZ Redefine Fine Fescue
Tip: Consider sun, shade, irrigation, and foot traffic when choosing your seed.
Spread seed evenly:
Divide seed into two portions and apply in opposite directions (e.g. north-south, then east-west) for even coverage using a drop or broadcast spreader.
6. Roll and Water
Roll lightly:
Use a roller to ensure good seed-to-soil contact without compacting the soil.
Keep soil moist:
Water little and often to keep the top 1–2cm of soil consistently damp until germination.
Tip: Avoid puddling — if water pools, reduce volume and increase frequency.
Apply pre-emergent (optional):
For Perennial Rye and Tall Fescue only, apply a mix of:
- LAWNZ Spectrum (Mesotrione): 3.5–5.5ml/100m²
-
LAWNZ Resilience (Ethofumesate): 40ml/100m²
Mix in 4–5L of water and apply pre-emergent protection.
⚠️ Do not use pre-emergents on Fine Fescue or Kikuyu lawns.
7. First Mow
Wait until new grass reaches 75mm.
When it does, mow lightly — just enough to remove the tips.
- Use sharp blades to reduce tearing
- Water lightly after mowing to reduce stress
8. Follow-Up Fertilising and Maintenance
6 weeks post-seeding:
Apply another round of LAWNZ Amplify or Essential fertiliser to continue encouraging growth.
Irrigate properly:
Water early in the morning and follow the lawn watering guide for detailed tips. Aim for 20–30mm per week including rainfall.
Mow smart:
Never cut more than one-third of the grass height in one go. For example, if your lawn is 75mm, only remove ~25mm.
Final Tips and Next Steps
- Be patient — results improve with time, especially in the first 8–12 weeks.
- Keep foot traffic off the lawn until it’s well established.
- Refer to the LAWNZ Application Guide for seasonal care, product use, and ongoing maintenance.
