Lawn and bentgrass - Ask Extension
My lawn needs leveling and also contains bent grass that I would like to kill and just start over! My question is should I wait until fall or do it no...
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Lawn and bentgrass #926102
Asked March 16, 2026, 12:25 PM EDT
My lawn needs leveling and also contains bent grass that I would like to kill and just start over! My question is should I wait until fall or do it now? I do have a sprinkler system but I am not sure what to do! Is time running out now to have this done before summer? I am getting quotes on this project right now any help would be appreciated!
Medina County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi,
The concise answer to your question, is that it is probably too late to start now for spring planting. The best time to seed for Medina County is considered August 15 - September 15. Next best is early spring, preferably in March. To kill your present lawn will take some time, both to kill the lawn and for whichever herbicide you use to dissipate and be safe for seeding. Please read the label instructions for the herbicide you select and follow them strictly, waiting until your lawn is ready for seeding. This will also give you time to soil test and to receive soil test results to learn whether soil augmentation is needed to improve your soil for best lawn development. For soil testing go to https://medina.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-and-turf-sampling. To be ready for the optimal seeding time, you will want to start killing the old lawn in summer.
For a more comprehensive guide to establishing a new lawn, please review the linked OSU Fact Sheet, https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-4031. Despite its title, it is not just for organic lawns. It touches on all aspects you will need to consider.
Thank you for your question.
The concise answer to your question, is that it is probably too late to start now for spring planting. The best time to seed for Medina County is considered August 15 - September 15. Next best is early spring, preferably in March. To kill your present lawn will take some time, both to kill the lawn and for whichever herbicide you use to dissipate and be safe for seeding. Please read the label instructions for the herbicide you select and follow them strictly, waiting until your lawn is ready for seeding. This will also give you time to soil test and to receive soil test results to learn whether soil augmentation is needed to improve your soil for best lawn development. For soil testing go to https://medina.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-and-turf-sampling. To be ready for the optimal seeding time, you will want to start killing the old lawn in summer.
For a more comprehensive guide to establishing a new lawn, please review the linked OSU Fact Sheet, https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-4031. Despite its title, it is not just for organic lawns. It touches on all aspects you will need to consider.
Thank you for your question.
