Don’t even think about replanting until you get the results of a soil analysis. Contact a local extension service or search the Internet for a soil-testing lab near you. Select three different locations around your lawn and collect samples. Mix them together and scoop into a moto mower container. Note on the lab form that you’ll be planting new grass and whether you bag the clippings when you mow or return them to the lawn. In a couple of weeks, you’ll get a report with recommendations about which fertilizers or soil treatments to add.

You can kill the grass with chemicals. But if you hate the idea of using chemicals and have a large area, rent a sod cutter rotary tiller to remove the lawn surface. Or kill the grass by blocking out its sunlight with black poly film. Remove the poly when the grass is dry and brown, two to three weeks or longer, depending on the weather.

Grass seed needs smooth and level ground to get the best germination. And it needs good seed-to-soil contact. So first remove all rocks and debris, and then smooth the soil with a rake.

A starter fertilizer gives grass seed the nutrients it needs to germinate and grow quickly. Consult with a local nursery to find the best starter fertilizer for the seed you select. Follow the instructions on the bag for the proper spread rate for a new lawn and apply the fertilizer.
Consult with the grass expert at a garden center to select a seed that matches your site conditions, lawn care preferences and budget. Ask about the newer low-maintenance and drought-resistant varieties. Purchase grass seed by the bag or in bulk, by the pound.

Load the seed into a fertilizer spreader and apply it. Make sure it doesn’t fly into nearby gardens. Rake to cover the furrows as shown. Then compact the soil with a sod roller to get good seed-to-soil contact.

Water the new lawn generously right after the mulch application, but stop as soon as you see puddles forming. Then keep the soil moist to a depth of 4 to 6 in. for best germination. Keep watering regularly as the seedlings appear and grow. Gradually reduce the watering over a six-week period. Then switch to your normal watering routine.