How to RENOVATE a SMALL LAWN - Cheap & Easy!

Get BIG RESULTS for a SMALL LAWN in an AFTERNOON WITHOUT renting AERATORS or heavy equipment. Follow these EASY TIPS for smaller lawns that are easy on you & your BUDGET! Stop wasting time & money and get a simple lawn solution that works.
Starter Fertilizer: amzn.to/32AD40K
Grass Seed: amzn.to/2yE4Drq
Water Timer: amzn.to/2RlSq3K
Handheld Rotary Spreader amzn.to/3bOHXqZ
Walk Behind Value Spreader: amzn.to/3huiyEx
Groundskeeper 2 Rake: amzn.to/3djRN4F /
Check your local hardware store for the $35-40 price for a better dealer. The Amazon price varies depending who sells it so check back for better prices
This video, description and comments contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Check me out on Instagram for great photos & project updates
/ silvercymbal
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks for watching please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. More info in the description but quick links here: Fertilizer: amzn.to/32AD40K Grass Seed: amzn.to/2yE4Drq Water Timer: amzn.to/2RlSq3K Handheld Rotary Spreader amzn.to/3bOHXqZ Walk Behind Spreader: amzn.to/3huiyEx Groundskeeper 2 Rake: amzn.to/3djRN4F (This rake can be bought locally for $30-45)

[@jerryhahn3169]

Z

[@nauticaguy123]

Hey I first wanted to thank you for showing me how to renovate my front yard. So my house in Northern VA was built on a slope and the back yard is some grass but mostly mud and clay. How can I make the back yard less muddy? Do you think a layer of sod on top would do the trick? Also I used black beauty last year and it turned out great. I wanted to add Kentucky blue grass to the mix. What do you think? What blue grass seed would you recommend? Thanks Again!

[@Blessed-Teddy]

Hi I live in wisconsin, is it too late this season to do this or if I do it will it grow in the spring? My yard is a mess

[@HunterplaysminecraftKove]

You know I thought id be watching videos like this when Im in my 30s... Im only 19 man lmao

[@jbnbdar3528]

I’m 14 this kind of stuff interest me

[@prototype0237]

@@jbnbdar3528 Same I’m 17 and I like watching this stuff

[@SD_Racing]

34 y/o here - you probably will :)

[@_DeadeyeGaming]

Me being 12

[@billrobbins5874]

😅😂🤣😭😳🙄🤭🤔 65 here! Thank you, made my day!

[@Arcturus97]

This guy has the best lawn care videos. Informative, concise, tells you step by step procedures, lists all the products he uses, and he shows you the before and after results, complete with no irritating music or irrelevent and rambling off-topic personal stories. Very good work Silver Cymbal.

[@paulanzini]

they are not WEEDS, they are native plant species

[@PMTcommenter]

Wet helpful and straight to the point. No 10 minute life story, just the info we wanted. Thanks!

[@redguy8941]

You should rake before applying seed to create groves in the soil. Then spread a thin layer of peat moss to cover your seed. Raking after applying seed will spread your seed and create bare patches and thicker spots in your turf

[@kayakMike1000]

That will help with fertilizer. The peat will hold on to water and should slow down the fertilizer from washing away.

[@russellbenson7055]

SC, another tremendous video for those of us with smaller property and or areas to revive and treat after the searing summer heat damage. Thank you as always for for sharing sir!!!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you so much, I had a lot of requests and I am glad this was helpful.

[@testmcgee9230]

Straw. I grab a bale or 2 of straw when I restore lawns. They are cheap and available at feed stores. Break them up and spread them out over the re-seeded area. The straw layer keeps the ground from getting too hot or too cold and helps keep the soil moist. The new grass will grow right through the straw layer and eventually the straw will compost into the soil.

[@warriordugan7236]

And keeps the birds away from eating the seeds.

[@bryankosidowski6370]

Love it! Your videos are practical and so easy to follow . I loved seeing your homemade sprinkler again. I made three of them myself and love em!

[@PammyRock]

Thanks for the tips! This summer was brutal on my lawn in some areas, so I will definitely use your tips for revitalizing it.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful. I also had the same type of damage like you can see here. Very tough year for the lawn add us too!

[@shaunstocks5298]

Great help and thanks very much…I was going to leave seeding until next March, but October seems to be the best month 😁👍🏼

[@kidlatazul]

Thank you! I have a micro lawn, in very poor shape after this summer's heat and drought. I'll try your method this week. By Spring it should look great.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you

[@Albertelmstreet]

this is going to be the project for this weekend, time to save my pathetic lawn

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful, good luck with the project

[@vpisces85]

How did it go

[@leemikle2242]

@@vpisces85 it’s still the same 🥱

[@pleasantcrew]

Oh my goodness this video was amazing! My wife and I just bought our first home and this tutorial will come in handy. Thank you!

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matta6817]

Same just bought house and spring is here 😅

[@michaelaryeh7861]

This is the most informative and straight up lawn care video ive ever seen

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Thx, this was what I've needed to get started on our lawn. This is great information and I can't wait to get started.

[@MrStride]

So simple yet so effective. Love this content

[@zoomzoombabe]

You may not know this sir…but you’re a lawnsaver…not all heroes wear capes! Hero🦸🏻‍♂️

[@obadiah7771]

I used that seed in my back yard two years a ago and it is beautiful! I also fell in love with the gci tall fescue. Comes in dark!

[@MM-rw8jv]

GCI turf has phenominal seed. I used to exclusively use Jonathan Green Black Beauty, but started to notice clover popping up, which I could only attribute to the seed. Black beauty has a small percentage of "other crop seed" on the label, wheras GCI is pure seed. GCI wins in my book.

[@SilverCymbal]

That is awesome to hear. I haven't tried any of gc stuff yet

[@Mityob67]

@@MM-rw8jv Agree, the GCI seed is the real deal...dark and thick just like you said. They had to change out one of the three fescue types a few years back because the grower stopped growing it, but i think it's even better.

[@mji6326]

Great video, as usual. Hello from Easton.

[@thomashermann4228]

Another great video. Easy to follow and understand. Thank-you!

[@turd808]

Started watching your videos. Enjoy all the good info. I have a really small yard, tried dethatching, manual aerating, new lawn fertilizer, but haven't used in seed. Just assumed grass will grow, only some spots popped up. I have emerald Zoysia, i believe. Thank you for the vids!

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad they have helped. I got a lot of requests for lawn help without all the machinery so I am glad you like this.

[@cjlaviation]

I don't even own grass and I loved this video! Will keep in mind if I ever do! :)

[@shoaib1029]

Thank you so much. You’re always helpful. Thank you again mate.

[@Striperman]

I just did last week. Mowed at 1/2 " with my Liberty 43, used the Groundskeeper 2 rake in two directions, over seeded and covered with Peat Moss. Its been 6 days and the lawn is looking great already. Simply fix for Summer stress, fungus or insect damage . Weather is perfect now for cool season lawns here on LI.

[@dnfwme]

Oh man this is the simplest method I have seen after watching so many videos. People make videos for Pros but not for a homeowner who has another job. Great Video.

[@AFROGUIDER]

beautiful content, we all love lawns , thats what we spend most our day here in Calgary- mowing lawns 16 hours every day.

[@seunglee8398]

Great information. Thank you

[@F3AR0FGOD]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@abeltesfaye7431]

This is my favorite channel for anything related to lawn care.

[@patrickscerra8149]

Thank you for the information

[@topgunne12]

i work for the andersons, thanks for showing that spreader!

[@grandtrunk49]

You made that look easy.

[@melfuz]

Haha...that's what I said too.

[@gthyhtujjuk]

Great, great video. Love the simplistic breakdown. As a lawncare professional, my biggest problem with videos like this are that there is no mention that this is a how to for Northern climates and turf types. A highly uneducated person might see this and think it's feasible to try to follow this for say Zoysia or other warm season grasses.

[@jochemr.a.bakker8048]

so, what would you recommend for a southern california lawn, in clay type soil?

[@gary4738]

Nicely done once again!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you

[@pumas2288]

Thanks for a great ,simple lesson!!!!👍👍👍

[@kevyelyod1211]

My wife’s boyfriend uses this method too.

[@KanyeWest2024]

😂

[@silverdropstang]

Plot Twist: Your wifes boyfriend is also your husband

[@SiegePerilousEsauMaltomite]

@@silverdropstang I don’t think that’s legal

[@Killua4145]

hold on.. what lol

[@Leo-ul5pc]

@@silverdropstang "Always has been"

[@melfuz]

Wow..great video! Thanks for posting!

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinnypinatelli221]

I'm going to go broke watching your videos lol now I'm going to buy a groundskeeper rake lol thanks for this vid very good

[@SilverCymbal]

You are funny. at least this whole method is cheaper than a lot of other ways to do it. Thanks again

[@gregory4154]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@jglez4965]

Great job 👍

[@bymilliebphotography8249]

Your videos are pretty perfect. Everything seems so well thought out, shot & edited. I love how easily you explain everything. You truly give me the confidence i need to tackle my diy projects. I have no idea how videos of this caliber can ever receive a thumbs down! As far as i am concerned your videos are the standard by which i will measure all other diy & home/ yard improvement videos & of course the first channel i will search for topics of interest. Thanks a million for these incredible top quality videos. Just two videos in with incredible content & consistentcy & i am hooked & was compelled to SUBSCRIBE!!! Beyond happy i found you!

[@SilverCymbal]

Wow thank you so much, I really appreciate such a nice comment

[@dfields9511]

Some good ideas . Growing grass in shaded areas is difficult especially if it’s Georgia Clay soil.

[@someguy5035]

Same in SC. I have a huge crape myrtle and my Zoysia refuses to grow in the shade. All I get is weeds and crabgrass. Fertilizing doesn't help.

[@kirbyd0g]

Thank you! Your videos are so helpful.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you like them! Thank you

[@mikemarinadoherty3364]

Your video is very helpful. U explained exactly what we need to know.

[@sameerahamdan5398]

Thanks for sharing this Video helped me and my lawn 😀

[@kylefay9689]

This is gonna help a lot in the fall

[@arleenralph9120]

Thanks very clear as always

[@domtom010]

These were very specific, time-efficient, and cost efficient instructions, THANK YOU. Coming up on 1yr of buying our 1st home and I'd like to get the lawn (constantly brown all year) up to snuff. I live in Maryland though and was thinking of doing this in early spring. Would that work for my region? If so, when would you suggest I start this? Thank You!

[@AA-zs9rt]

I am so glad i found your video..new to ur channel but best explanation.

[@Chad_KBH]

Thank you for this!

[@robertallen3133]

Fantastic video and channel, thank you.

[@hectorcoria3650]

Great stuff 👍 Mainard!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks 👍

[@DIGIOVINAZZO]

Omg ,love ur channel!!!!

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that thank you

[@marylandsirensfirebuff9664]

I just overseeded mine with the GCI Turf tall fescue! I don't really now if it is growing because my grass is already kind of thick.

[@raytailor9251]

I don't have a lawn any more, but I wish I did, just to give your method a try. Lol! Great video as always.

[@yzlrelax1]

thanks, this is very helpful

[@chuti2816]

Thanks for the info we'll explained 👍

[@jonathanlance2166]

Very useful video. Thanks for putting it on YT. Question: we have put Scott's Turf Builder on the lawn (it looks like the lawn in this video). Can we now put the grass seeds or should we wait for some time before putting down the grass seeds?

[@jimshorts5970]

Set the spreader setting lighter and cross cross for the most even spreading and avoids “striping” when fertilizing.

[@BallPool-yp6rv]

Good tip!

[@Dubiels]

I’m excited to see your results

[@SilverCymbal]

Me too it looked terrible!

[@MetaBX]

Amazing video. Thank you

[@luismedina8746]

Nice work as always. What about laying down few bag of peat moss instead of raking. It creates seeds cover bed.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you. Exactly. This is great for a smaller space.

[@delt19]

I just finished an overseeding job on a section of my front lawn at 2200 sq ft and hand spread peat moss. Let me tell you, it was dirty, messy, and probably the most cumbersome of the entire process. Next year, I'm renting a peat moss spreader!

[@frankm2588]

@@delt19 I did it today. I put the peat in a wheelbarrow and use a regular long handled shovel, keep taking big scoops and shake the shovel side to side, various ways, or rock it tilting both ways. Still took a long time on my front. My front is about 1000 sq ft.

[@delt19]

@@frankm2588 consider looking into renting a peat moss spreader (or a compost spreader). It was only around 20$ at my local home depot. I won't do another overseed without it.

[@BenNawrath]

I used some Jonathan green high traffic mix near my front steps, and I’m seeing sprouts on day 5! My GCI tttf is showing in 5 days too.

[@donniereidjr]

Good luck with that Ben. Im using Jonathan G's Fall blend this year. BlackBeauty Ultra is pretty good stuff. My foolishness put out some Quinclorac too soon last year and NONE of my seed germinated. Can you say "that's a great way to waste dough?" LOL

[@BenNawrath]

Donnie Reid ugh I hate that! I used the wrong weed killer earlier this year to zap some nutsedge and it zapped a lot... got the sedge tho!

[@donniereidjr]

Ben Nawrath it’s hard to get a straight answer as to should I buy a stand on or walk behind eXmark. I’m thinking a stand on simply because of the heat Im and my age as I’m growing older.

[@jonnytse]

If you do want to still plant in the early spring (early April for me, in IL/Midwest), crab grass preventer will also prevent new seedlings from sprouting! Something to keep in mind for us impatient folk who don't want to wait until fall! Good thing I plan on doing this in my backyard, where historically, I haven't had any crab grass/need to lay down grab grass preventer.

[@PsyberMind]

Late reply, since I just found this, but would it be more ideal to do it early spring, due to our lovely(?) Unpredictable weather here in the Midwest (I'm in Iowa, could start snowing as early as October)

[@jonnytse]

@@PsyberMind early spring works fine, just remember about any crab grass preventer with new seeds. Maybe don’t lay down pre-emergent crab grass preventer while you plant early spring, and deal with any crab grass post emergent. Or plant early enough, and lay down some pre-emergent when the new grass has matured some.

[@jpshowpro8408]

Great video as always, Cheers pal

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks 👍

[@chaouchrayan]

So nice work 😍❤️👍🏻

[@denisconor648]

great stuff.

[@BermudaBrian]

Good video! Great explanation of entire process!

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mr.walker8700]

Fantastic.

[@davidzwisohn5478]

I grew my own back lawn almost 20 years ago. Foolishly, I listened to some friends who said, "don't worry, the grass will come back" after a very dry, hot summer with water restrictions here in NJ. It didn't ... but I'm actually looking forward to this project! ... ONE QUESTION though ... WHERE IS YOUR VIDEO on making your own sprinkler setup? I couldn't find it! .... I bought some Orbit sprinklers, but would much rather use the "in ground, pop-up type mounted on the pipe" setup you show in this video! Thanks in advance!

[@Srpug]

Great video. I have multiple small grand kids (2-7 years old) living at home and haven't bothered to overseed in the last few years because I can't keep them off the lawn for the time needed. Naturally, it needs help now and I'm getting to the point that I'm considering doing the work and just hoping for the best. Any advice?

[@SiegePerilousEsauMaltomite]

I need one of those rakes, I see it as the most likely way I’ll dethatch... Pretty small area so a few ounces of sweat should get it done.

[@DavePianist]

Thanks for the quick guide. I can't wait to try it! What type of grass seed did you use? And what type of grass seed would you recommend for soil in Ontario, Canada?

[@luzimarvieira8978]

I like very much yours videos, keep doing it, help us a lot, homeowners like me. I about this vídeo, I need fix my yard, but I have lots spots with weed,should kill then first, and then should I do detaching before all this steps. I live on south shore, mass thanks

[@delt19]

A progress video to see how this section filled in with the JG Ultra would be great at some point in the future.

[@SilverCymbal]

Absolutely, probably not worth a full video, so I will be sharing clips on my instagram over the next 6 weeks.

[@anthonyr3624]

Thank you

[@chrismeader3698]

With all this Anderson’s products you must be in the Midwest lol thanks for the tips I’ll be able to apply this during the fall this year!

[@jeffreycaban5107]

Chris, Silver Cymbal is in the fine State of Massachusetts.

[@Benappy253]

Good video Thank you

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@noshxhson]

Great video! Question, for how many days/weeks should I water the grass twice a day assuming there is no rain? Thanks!

[@litholi9103]

The Andersons spreader you used in the video is about $1,000. The Scotts value spreader you listed in your comments is about $40. For a $1,000, the spreader needs to aerate, seed, fertilize and water my lawn for the summer.

[@HMarco001]

Hey Silver Cymbal, I have a similar lawn area but has a lot of dead grass. Is raking up the dead grass not necessary? Great video!

[@nymets621]

Love your videos. What would you recommend for a lawn that has concrete in it? It’s going to be busted up. But then just level everything out with dirt and start laying seed?

[@alexstephens1752]

I live in Texas and even in the fall we get weeds

[@SilverCymbal]

Texas has very different weather. Check out my site for war season grasss and weed control this might help: www.silvercymbal.com/weed-control-warm-season

[@darkmattersproject2951]

Fantastic video

[@SilverCymbal]

Very nice of you to say thank you!

[@sltho]

I have a small lawn (combined ~1700sq ft) full of weeds (90%). Would I need tenacity to renovate? or can I just mow everything down? Thanks for the great content.

[@ChaseLandMgmt]

Dethatch then mow low to pick up the dead grass you’ve removed. Then aerate, then seed and fert. The thatch you left inhibits good seed to soil contact.

[@samuraioodon]

hi will the starter feed be enough to cover the seeds? or do i need to apply top soil too? thanks

[@appleztooranges]

I spent thousands with lawn care people. I may try this and see if it works

[@Ihatepeople213]

Hi

[@raulrivera622]

You probably get deeper into the soil if you water then rake then seed but this is good

[@mukthatumkur3324]

Greetings from Canada! Your videos are so well done - you get to the point, they are clear and short. You've inspired me to take one step at a time to have a healthy lawn. I will be getting some sea kelp and humic acid and will do the overseeding in the fall. I will have to talk to my nursery about Tenacity - I don't think it is available in Canada. Excellent content in your videos! I am anal about lawn cutting and edging - I get blank stares when I ask lawn maintenance companies how often they sharpen their blades and if they change the direction of cutting each week! :) I actually have a reel mower.... Just subscribed!

[@delt19]

The Groundskeeper Rake is akin to duct tape. It's just THAT useful!

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that, i know it is just a rake but when you use it like you have you realize its very different,. Worked great for this too

[@delt19]

@@SilverCymbal I bought it after watching your dethatching video and it has been amazing. It's a workhorse. Keep pushing those good products.

[@MICHIGANMIKE12]

Add to your arsenal...a landscaping rake. Stiffer tines and works great if you need to spread top soil around.. picks out the stones, sticks and other minor debris. Does a great job too. Have "loaned" mine out on numerous occasions....gonna get one of those other rakes next season to keep my other rake company in the shed.... nice Christmas gift too??? hint.hint..

[@SilverCymbal]

@@delt19 Thats great! I appreciate that!

[@Lexo593]

VERY NICE INFORMATIONAL VIDEO! I’ve been helping my sister with her lawn and I needed a cost effective way. While doing this, is it okay to have pets around the lawn?

[@ashrevlution3456]

You should 100% top dress with compost after you have applied the seed. The results are a much better and greener lawn!

[@bjh15202]

This is what I needed, but I have packed soil and some thatch buildup. What should I do first? I'm thinking mow short, thatch, then liquid aerating before seeding. How long should I wait after liquid aerating before seeing?

[@harveytherobot]

Do yourself a favor and get a digital timer for watering. You can set it to go off every 6 hours while the seed is growing and then every day or every few days once it’s mature.

[@Megatron995]

Some good ideas, but your climate is definitely different from Florida's! Here, fall is the start of the DRY season. Trying to get anything started during the dry season is futile. It's blasting hot, and "watering" makes things moist for all of an hour. It stays this way until about June, at which point the sky's floodgates open. Then you get daily rains, so *that's* when you put down grass seed - late June through August. All that said, mowing short and then raking the seed in sounds good, same goes for the fertilizer, so I'll probably try it this summer. Grass seed for Florida lawns is from species that not only can take heat, but strongly prefer it. It won't even try to sprout if it's remotely "cool"(ish).

[@josej-h1471]

I’m in Arlington Texas, when would be a good time to lay down new sod? St agustine grass.

[@Bappy752]

Looks like you made some good money by promoting the products. 👍

[@uhhh684]

great video !!!! The timer is all i need? i can connect it to my hose and it'll close the line when timer hits zero. Or do i need fittings or something?