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The first step in re-doing a bad lawn is correctly diagnosing the problem. That’s why we recommend calling a licensed and trustworthy lawn care company that can help turn your damaged lawn around. Once the problem is diagnosed and fixed, you’ll want to keep up with lawn maintenance by watering, mowing, and feeding your lawn the proper nutrients.

Buffalo grass spreads through both underground roots and above-ground stolons. The widespread root and stolon system makes up for this grass’s overall lack of density. It’s a hearty grass, so it spreads on its own slowly, especially considering that most of the male (no staminate) varieties of grass are sterile. You may think about over-maintaining your lawn to encourage growth, but this would have the opposite effect.

Yes, but the best approach is to apply fertilizer well before you actually sprinkle the seeds. Apply fertilizer with an NPK ratio somewhere around 10-10-20, or 10-10-10, depending on soil test results and the type of grass you're planting, about six to eight weeks before planting grass seed. This mix added to loosened soil will give the grass seed its best chance of getting off to a solid start. 

The best time to plant grass seed depends on your local climate and whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass.

For cool-season grasses (like tall fescue), the ideal time to seed is late summer or early fall (typically August and September). During this period, the soil is still warm from the summer, but the air is cooler, creating optimal conditions for germination and root establishment before winter. There is also less competition from weeds. Spring is a secondary option, but cooler soil temperatures, the risk of a late frost, and less time for the grass to mature before summer heat can make it less successful.

For warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine), the best time to plant is from late spring through mid-summer (typically May and June), when temperatures are consistently between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In general, it is best to avoid seeding during winter or early spring, as cold soil and air can prevent seeds from germinating. For recommendations tailored to your specific grass type and climate, consider consulting a local lawn care professional.