There are also ways to save an old lawn rather than starting over from scratch. Just aerating the grass doesn't do the trick, according to Ridnour. He recommends power raking to get rid of old grass material, then aerating and putting the grass plugs in the compost pile. A light grass seeding is next, followed by a layer of compost over the top. With this method, the nutrient-rich organic material fills the holes left by aeration.
Water can better reach the roots of the grass, and the overall nutrient level is enhanced.
This spring, it may be time to give that old friend, grass, a second chance in the landscape.