How to remove existing lawn and lay new lawn?

[Sampath]

Hi, I am trying to replace my existing lawn with new seeds/lawn. Currently it's in a bad shape with weeds all over the place and cracked soil. Any ideas and tips to loosen the soil and replace the complete lawn with new. TIA 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sampath 

Your welcome to ask questions sorry that sometimes I forget or just assume everyone is very advanced at DIY thats on me. RE the  black plastic.

I will dial it down to include more people. Personally I am still learning today so I know how frustrating someone missing a step or minor bit of information can stop us in our tracks. 

As you progress feel free to check in  with more questions.

[Sampath]

Take it easy, @Jewelleryrescue —I missed it earlier too. However, this community is really helpful. As @MitchellMc suggested, I got the black plastic from Bunnings. I'll apply the weed killer today and then place the plastic on top. I'll keep the project updates posted here.

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sampath 

Good  job, 

For best effect keep the plastic as close to the ground as possible with in reason so the heat builds up for the sterilization process.

Any plant material remaining bin it not composite re the seeds/   

[Sampath]

Applied weed killer and the black plastic in one section as below - will post the progress in coming days 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sampath 

Good  job     Try sealing off the edges of the black plastic with a timber length or any items  just to close off any air flow.

The plastic is working like an oven so we need to close the oven door to do the cooking. This will also help reduce cooking time.

Estimated 3 -4 weeks  for the seeds to cook too yet unsprouted.

Method  2

Is use your weed spray the top will die as you already have then let the new sprouts from the remaining seed will germinate un effected by the weed spray (as it is leaf absorbed) Now hit the new leafy sprouts with poison or black plastic and bump them off.

There is an old gardening rhyme (1 year of weeds and seeds means 7 years of weeds) They are talking about seeds being germinating at different time periods and reoccurring we need to beat this reoccurrence.

As we are doing a section at a time so there is a possibility of walking seeds into the prepared area, and birds dropping new seeds (probably where the seeds come from originally.)  So all this work gives a clean slate by we need to spot weed all the time  A little often is the way to do it.

[Sampath]

Hi @Jewelleryrescue, 

Looks like it's time to start working with loamy organic soil. I tried searching online but couldn’t find a good place to get it. Do you mind sharing where I can find some? Also, which worm castings should I mix it with?

Cheers,

Sampath

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Sampath,

Loamy organic soil is typically found in quality topsoils such as Scotts Lawn Builder 25L Organic Lawn Soil Topdress & Underlay. You might like to chat with our Special Orders team in-store if you require a bulk-delivered quantity.

Work castings are typically harvested from a worm farm. I'm not aware of them being sold separately.

Mitchell

[Sampath]

Update - Hi all, 

This is the current garden situation. Installed tall fescue seeds. I hardly see any bare patches. Thanks everyone for your guidance. 

Question: What should be the ideal length for the maintenance? (I've googled, just want to get expert opinion)

 

[EricL]

Hello @Sampath 

Your lawn looks great! I suggest a maintenance height of 30mm to 40mm, cutting it too short weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to weeds, disease and drought.

Eric