How to re-seed dead sandy grass?

murf

what is the best process to repair my dead and sandy grass?

do I need to remove old grass or can I treat it and re seed?

EricL

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about re-seeding your lawn.

Looking at your lawn, it’s quite sparse and sandy, so starting fresh is likely your best option. You can either lay new turf or seed, but for long-term success, you'll need to improve the soil first.

Since your soil is very sandy, adding organic matter will help it retain moisture and nutrients. You can spread Lawn Top Dress Mix or a blend of compost, organic soil, and soil conditioner over the area to enrich the ground. If you’re in a hot, dry region, adding gypsum can also help improve soil structure. For large orders, I suggest speaking to the stores special orders team if you wish to purchase in bulk rather than by the bag.

If you want an instant result, Sir Walter Buffalo Turf would be a great choice for sandy soils. Before laying turf, loosen the top 10cm of soil and mix in some Dynamic Lifter or a starter fertiliser like Lawn Builder Underlay Soil. Once laid, water it deeply every day for the first couple of weeks.

If you prefer to reseed, you can rake the area to remove the dead grass, spread a lawn seed blend suited for sandy soil (such as Kikuyu or Couch from Bunnings), then cover it lightly with topsoil and keep it moist until germination. Seasol or a liquid fertiliser will help it establish.

Either way, the key to keeping the lawn healthy after establishing is regular deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering, as this encourages deep roots and drought resistance.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Lay Turf.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric