Instructions: Replacing a Lawn Without a Tiller

Renovating a lawn without tilling is ideal when the existing lawn has deteriorated significantly, but the subsoil is still generally in good condition. It is significantly less expensive than a complete new installation (e.g., with sod) and, when done correctly, yields excellent results.

It's a good idea to replace your lawn when:

• the lawn is patchy (more meadow than lawn)

• there are a lot of weeds or moss

• you want a thick, lush green lawn

• the existing lawn needs to be revitalized

Lawn Renovation – Step by Step

1. Preparation (about 3 weeks in advance)

• Check the pH level
  A soil test will show whether the soil is too acidic. Moss is often a sign of a low pH level.
  For acidic soil, apply lime three times a year for two years to stabilize the pH level.

• Optional: Professional Soil Analysis
  It not only provides the pH level but also a personalized fertilization plan to help your lawn become dense and healthy over the long term.

2. Remove weeds

• In case of a severe infestation: treat the entire area

• In cases of localized infestation: treat only affected areas

• Once the weeds have died, proceed to the next step

3. Prepare the lawn

• Mow the lawn very short (the shorter, the better)

• Remove all clippings completely

• Remove dead plant material, moss, thatch, and weed debris

• Aerate or scarify the area lengthwise and crosswise
  → Scarifying is usually more effective here

• Adjust the blades so that they cut about 2–3 mm into the soil

After this step, the surface often looks very bare—this is normal and intentional.

Lawn Replacement / Lawn Restoration

4. Seeding and Establishment

• Spread the grass seed evenly in crisscross patterns (by hand, through a cardboard slot, using a spreader, or with a Granomax)

• Next, apply a layer of turf soil (turf or sand substrate) about 5 mm thick

• Important: Seeds must be in contact with the soil

• Apply organic lawn fertilizer as a starter fertilizer → approx. 30–50 g/m²

5. Irrigation

• Keep the area consistently moist during the first 14–20 days

• Water briefly 4–5 times a day

• Do not let it dry out—germination is crucial at this stage

Additional Pro Tips

• Water Manager
  Work it into the soil after scarifying and before seeding.
  It stores water in the soil for long periods and releases it slowly—ideal for the germination phase.

• Lawn Aerator
  Provides beneficial microorganisms and promotes high soil activity and rapid root growth.

The First Mowing & Aftercare

• First pruning when plants are 5–10 cm tall

• Start by trimming just the tips

• After that, mow 1–2 times a week

• Always cut no more than ⅓ of the blade length

• Gradually lower the cutting height to the desired level

Fertilization:

• After the first mowing, apply a slow-release fertilizer every 8 weeks

The Chalice:

• For acidic soil, 2–3 times a year, depending on the soil test results