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		Lawn Rejuvenation Tired Lawn - With no other inherent problems, a lawn that is tired or has been neglected should respond in a season to a well planned and rigorously implemented fertilization program. However, sometimes bare spots, which can be caused by such things as heavy traffic, insects, dog urine, or fertilizer spills, can develop in any lawn and need to be fixed. Small Bare Spots: Determine the cause and remove it. If the dirt is contaminated with any type of chemical, replace as much of it as necessary. Remove any dead grass and scratch into the soil with a cultivator at least an inch. If the soil is extremely compacted, scratch into it two to 4 inches. Apply starter fertilizer. Liberally apply a good quality grass seed. At $2 - $3/lb., grass seed is inexpensive. Don't be afraid to use twice the suggested application rate. Tamp down the area just planted and cover it lightly with peat moss. Keep everything damp (not soaking wet) for a week and you'll start to see new grass coming up. Large Bare Spots: The issues are the same as above, although the following might be used: Rototiller for scratching A heavy roller instead of tamping with your feet A spreader for applying the grass seed After rototilling and fertilizing, roll the surface, then very lightly rake the top 1/4 inch to create a rough surface. Apply the grass seed and then roll again prior to covering with peat moss. Using Sod Instead of Seed - Sod will be instant, and you can forget the peat moss, but the soil preparation steps including loosening the soil, fertilizing, and rolling are the same. And sod needs water, too. Remember - Grass seed germinates best in warm temperatures - above 70 degrees.