When replanting makes sense (and how to get it done)

Is your lawn dead, dry, damaged and barely hanging on? Think a little food and water might revive it to its former glory?

Perhaps.

Regular feeding and watering deeply are excellent for maintaining relatively healthy lawns. Unfortunately, lawns past the point of no return simply won't benefit from extra food and water.

Lawns on life support and in need of a do-over are lawns that show significant damage and look like this: If, after the heat of last year's summer, your lawn looks something like those lawns, it's likely in need of something drastic.

Sometimes it's just easier to start over from scratch?and now's the time to get it done.

While laying down sod can provide quick results aesthetically, it can be costly to install and is highly susceptible to drying out. Near-constant watering and care are required, without guaranteed results. Still, if you want a St. Augustinegrass lawn, you must sod, as there simply isn't a reliable St. Augustine seed available today.

For those who prefer seeding to sod, seeding is a less expensive option that gives good, albeit slower, results.

Here's how to properly replant a lawn that's been devastated by drought:

1. Kill and remove all weeds and poor-looking turf by applying Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer. Available as a concentrate, ready-to-use or Pump 'N Go® Sprayer, Roundup® keeps problem weeds and unwanted grass away. Simply apply and wait a few days to ensure that weeds are completely dead before moving onto step 2.

2. Prepare the soil by tilling and adding organic matter like that found in Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Soil. As the first step in seeding success, Scotts® Lawn Soil is specifically formulated to help grass seed germinate better. Plus it's proven to promote more efficient water use, helping protect new seedlings from the stress of hot, dry conditions.

3. Feed the seed and accelerate growth by applying Scotts® Starter® Fertilizer. Scotts® Starter® Fertilizer gives developing grass much-needed nutrients so the brand-new small and shallow roots can grow deeper, faster.

4. Water frequently for the first month while seedlings are young and not yet fully developed or rooted. After 1 month, begin to cut back watering intervals to twice a week, applying about 1/2 inch at each watering.