How to Best Establish and Renovate the Kentucky Lawn

In this episode of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand introduces Kenneth Clayton, an extension associate from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky. The session was recorded on September 9, 2024, as part of their home lawn improvement series. Kenneth shares his expertise on the best practices for lawn establishment and renovation for cool-season grasses in Kentucky, particularly during the fall season.















Lawn Establishment & Renovation







Kenneth discusses when and why someone might consider renovating their lawn, mentioning scenarios such as over fifty percent of the lawn covered by undesirable turf or persistent weed issues that warrant a complete renovation. He emphasizes that the optimal time for lawn renovation in Kentucky is the fall due to favorable soil temperatures and the reduced risk of summer weed competition post-renovation.







Renovation Considerations







Fall versus Spring Renovation







Transitioning to the specifics of lawn establishment, Kenneth details two methods: traditional establishment, which involves total removal and reseeding of the lawn, and no-till renovations that minimize soil disturbance. He provides a step-by-step guide for each method, covering everything from killing existing vegetation with non-selective herbicides to selecting and applying the right seeds. Special attention is given to the type of grass suited for Kentucky climates, and turf-type tall fescue is strongly recommended for its durability through seasonal variations.







Traditional Establishment vs. No-Till Renovation







Kenneth also touches on the finer points of maintenance post-establishment, highlighting the importance of frequent watering, using high-quality seeds, and appropriate fertilizing and mowing practices to ensure successful lawn establishment and development.















Evaluation Survey







We want to thank Kenneth Clayton for sharing his valuable insights. We'd love to hear from you if you've tried any of the tips we mentioned or have any new experiences to share. We have created an evaluation for you to share your thoughts and experiences. The evaluation survey link for the Lawn Establishment & Renovation Program is https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIMZOK6pC0ie9iS.







If you enjoyed today's episode, we would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your reviews help us connect with more people and provide valuable feedback for improvement. Also, feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes.







Other Resources:







Lawn Establishment in Kentucky, AGR-50, University of Kentucky Extension Publication: https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AGR50.pdf







Renovating Your Lawn, AGR-51, University of Kentucky Extension Publication: