Lawn Renovation Step by Step Guide!

I'll show you how to save your grass using a few simple steps including dethatching (power raking), aerating, top dressing, overseeding and fertilizing. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch my lawn improve over the past few months. It's far from perfect, but the fall lawn care I did gives me hope for next spring. You can renovate your yard too if you follow these simple steps.
Watch the follow up video here: • Lawn Renovation Guide!...
Products I used (paid links):
Honda HRX217 Mower: amzn.to/2DMhLx9
Scotts Broadcast Spreader: amzn.to/2Pc2WJG
Mantis Tiller: amzn.to/2Yg7iTW
Mantis Aerator/Dethatcher Attachements: amzn.to/2LoAXFs
Milorganite Organic Fertilizer: amzn.to/2Pr7ufp
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like, subscribe and follow me on these social media platforms:
Facebook: / jasonexplainsthings
Instagram: / jasonexplainsthings
(FYI... Patreon account isn't active right now.)

[@AB-yt7gd]

The Lowe’s ad had me dying 😂😂😂😂

[@repoman016]

that little bit is what made me hit the subscribe button

[@kayleedelory6461]

i was your 100th like

[@alexanderreiner7694]

He didn't even believed that someone likes this store.

[@joebracero4638]

I watched this video specifically for the Lowe's Ad :) .....awesome kick in the nutz to HD !!

[@alexanderreiner7694]

@@joebracero4638 Cringe

[@619elm]

"Aim for perfection but happy with improvement" I like that...

[@alwaysbroke5372]

When he went on that Lowes rant, I immediately thumb up this video, saved this to my playlist, and subscribed to his channel...

[@potatopotatoeOG]

I love how comprehensive this video was. Thanks

[@deeg5466]

Are we just going to ignore how much of a badass that truck is

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Please don't! Tons of videos on the channel about it. :-)

[@juanescutia8944]

I subscribed after the Home Depot & Lowe’s skit 😂

[@donitta118]

Juan Escutia same

[@DammysTreasures]

Me too😂🤣

[@RockymountainRach]

lol same

[@isaacbyrom9615]

I love how you completely betrayed Home Depot mid video.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

😂 yeah well. They had it coming! 👍

[@RatmanSays]

They deserved it for $75 just to hose those things off. WTF!!!

[@javansarmiento7151]

@@JasonExplainsThings that was hilarious, you must be too nice if you actually paid that fee, I would have asked for the manager and told them what the other employee told you and worst case scenario only paid half the fee, thats some BS =]

[@AyoRomel]

Hey! I work at the rental department and it really varies on who the team is and if they coordinate with each other on what their cleanliness scale is on each tool. Honestly, I wouldn't charge you either since those tines are meant to get dirt on them anyways. Usually I would say what that guy told you in the first place, and making sure there is no chunks of dirt underneath. I would go back and talk to their management to get that refunded.

[@AyoRomel]

But I see this was almost months ago. But next time, fight it off!

[@pingman2]

I realize this is an old video, I'm doing my lawn now and ran across your video. Great job, very informative. One thing....as for Home Depot, I would NOT have paid any $75 cleaning fee!! I would have talked to a manager, next time put up a little fight for your rights as a customer. Great looking lawn! Thanks for the info.

[@joelmsolomon]

Really cool video, thanks! Just a small nit-pick, I recommend putting seed down before putting down the peat moss. The peat moss will protect the seed from birds, hold the seed in its intended place, and keep the seed damp as you water it. I'm sure doing it the way you did works okay too, because the seed will hopefully make it's way down under/into the peat moss, but that'll probably help to do seed then peat moss.

[@rhkips]

Ages ago, I worked at a Home Depot tool rental center. I was always very clear in making sure people knew the cost of the cleaning fee for the equipment they were renting prior to signing the rental agreement, and we were all on board with encouraging an effort over demanding perfection. We were going to have to clean the equipment anyway as part of getting it rent-ready again, and we just wanted to avoid spending huge amounts of time doing so. 99% of the time, equipment would come back plenty clean enough. We only ever actually charged the cleaning fee if equipment came back with no sign of any sort of attempt to clean it. Aerators were, in particular, always a nightmare. Getting those plugs out was a challenge for us, let alone a DIY home-gamer that didn't have a pressure washer. We were never too particular about it, because realistically, with a 4-hour rental, folks weren't going to have time to get their project done AND bring the thing back spotless. Just hose it down as best you can, thank you for choosing Home Depot, and have a wonderful day. Sadly, the cleaning fee is an entirely subjective thing. Prior to the Rental Toolbox software update, we could adjust the cleaning fee to whatever dollar amount we wanted. With the update though, it's all or nothing. Perhaps that's changed in the years since I left, but I always felt like it was a critical omission. My goal was to always make sure you came back to rent again. There's more revenue in earning your trust and repeat business than there is in ludicrous margin generators, and while I no longer work for Home Depot, from one human being to another, I'm sorry you had that experience. :( Your lawn looks absolutely amazing! I just bought a house back in October of 2020, and it's gonna take a few years to get the lawn looking decent, so I really appreciate your video!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good info! Yeah it all comes down to being consistent. I returned one piece, cleaned pretty well, returned with no trouble... then ran and got the aerator, cleaned it the same way... and you know the rest of the story. I was annoyed but not angry... and the story in this video is likely why it has so many views so I'm pretty happy it happened at this point. :-)

[@blazingkhalif2]

@@JasonExplainsThings what the name of the song you used at 10:50?

[@LEMUSA77]

As I started needing more from home improvement stores, I started to se how Lowes is the much better option. You made the right decision Jason, and now you have another subscriber!

[@generalmaximus53]

Dude that was hysterical!!! That cleaning fee is insane. You’re a funny guy love your videos

[@kaaaai]

Same exact thing happened to me at Home Depot when I brought a rented aerator back... I got lucky that the guy behind the desk was nice and let me use their hose to rinse out the tines!

[@madonnahagedorn5649]

Beautiful. Very green and filled in. Your lawn looks happy.

[@teejtf8161]

So I start a job next week making $17.80/hr paid weekly. Maybe not the best but I’m a resident in Iowa. Could be doing better, but I have dreams of a nice house with a nice lawn and just learning. I’m 26 which is crazy, but I plan on watching and using these vids as a means to end. I truly appreciate you and these vids. Thank you

[@Dont_be_negative]

Hi, I just subscribed your channel not only because of the great content but your humbleness too. May God be pleased with you.

[@cashen7384]

Just subbed. You seem like a down to earth good guy that knows his stuff. Ive been researching alot about lawns the last 6 months. Really enjoy your content man ✌ im a lawn fanatic as well, and I own my own pressure washing and lawn business. The end results are alwats satisfying 👌

[@iambounceback]

The home depot to Lowe's switch was hilarious! Then when you proceeded to give the home depot slogan I died! Great video.

[@richardealden2323]

Great video mate .... But just a helpful hint for you and your viewers .. When you now your lawn .. Always collect the grass clippings .. If you mulch mow all those grass clippings will be forced into the grass creating thatch .. I used to mulch mow ... Had terrible thatch problems after 2years ... Now I mow with a mower with a roller on .. and collect the grass .. It takes a bit longer ... But you can see the difference . Also ... The roller is squashing the thatch into the soil so all the little bugs and stuff can rot it down .. No more scarifying for me ... Happy days 😀😀

[@DickDangerMoto]

Just because of this video, I will be shopping at Lowes more often now.

[@tionnislane12]

The moment I saw you light Home Depot up in the middle of the video.... you got a big ole like! 🤩

[@sweetee3886]

I’m disappointed in Home Depot, that was a ridiculous as if it was broken or something. Thanks for the heads up

[@filipmizerski5702]

You know you really helped me, You actually explained what you did and explained the steps of what you need to use or can do.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome. I have a follow up video I published last fall if you want get enough. :-)

[@matthewjackson9615]

Ok , this is what I believe to be true. Agriculture has been part of mankind's means of survival for thousands of years. Since most folks dont have space to plant crops in suburban areas , their lawn becomes a substitute for an ancient desire to cultivate and harvest food crops. People are driven by their developed instincts. The desire to plant , cultivate and harvest still resides deep inside the inner folds of their minds.

[@durianqueen]

This is SUCH a fantastic and helpful video! I am a first time homeowner and learning lawn care on my own, going to start weeding and getting ready to overseed. Your video was very informative and I feel more confident I'll be able to do it myself (my lawn is not even 1/4 the size of yours). Thank you!

[@ChubbyBlumpkinz]

Lawn looks great, and I’m definitely no expert, but I would’ve put the grass seed down before the peat moss. It gives it a little extra surface contact and retains moisture above the seed.

[@marcvandenbroeck9070]

Indeed. Or at least take the seeds into the peat moss.

[@fatcapital88]

I first watched this video in March. It's now early September. I've been waiting since spring to try this. Just power raked and aerated today (exhausting). Seeding tomorrow. Thanks for the strategy.

[@Cwjespersen]

I really appreciate all these tips, almost as much as I appreciate Lowes!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

😂

[@sowmyancs]

""we aim for perfection but we are happy with the improvement""..love it!!!

[@Aaron_]

That's insane, $75!! Lowes for the win! Haha. Mannn, I wish we was neighbors! We could be lawn buddies 😁

[@juanflores42]

If I had your lawn I would be yard of the month in my neighborhood for life. 💪

[@insaluki9769]

Thanks for keeping it real. So true, this ISN'T a competition, just looking for continuous improvement in my lawn (our lawns).

[@oscarsweeney8901]

Fantastic overview! Thanks for the instructions and humor. Especially the dig on Home Depot!! Loved the video.

[@toyaevette3155]

I live in an apartment and have been watching your videos! 😂 I move to my first house in May! Yaaayyy!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome! Congrats. Yard work is my favorite "chore".

[@RexBanner_]

Yesss! Congrats

[@dogfamily3115]

I just love this video. Thank u

[@prettykia231]

Thank you for this video. I am a newbie and know nothing bout grass, flowers, dirt nothing. Before your video i went a purchased a buch of stuff to help me maintin my yard and nothing worked. After watching your video, i have a better understanding as to what i need to do. While it is too late in the season to plant grass, im doing the prep work my getting rid of my weed yard. I dont think there is any grass. Get rid of the weed and grass and plant grass seeds in maybe October/November. Thanks again.

[@TriniDB]

Just purchased a home and was looking for videos on how to restart my backyard. I'm a newbie to the lawn game and your video helped me out big time! New Subscriber!

[@kparrott]

Great video! Loved the Home Depot part... my fiancee works there and will think it's hilarious!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Keith Parrott Ha! Yeah, it’s all good. I thought it was a pretty funny encounter.

[@royde-bo-hun3113]

You are amazing. Thank you sooo much Jason.. I enjoy your videos. You crack me up. Thank you again..

[@paulklekot8774]

Great job! Thank you for all the great how to information. I loved the ribbing of home depot (they are a little greedy sometimes). This video was very enjoyable to watch and never boring.

[@gospos1]

Jason, great job on the lawn...hopefully you do the Spring routine again like you did last year on video...love the old Dodge...those were tanks!..new sub!..very entertaining!

[@davorvukoja1264]

shouldve spoken to a manager, the employees have no idea what theyre talking about 80% of the time

[@miami4evertheu]

but 99 percent of the time the customers wrong.

[@jet3937]

Nobody likes a Karen

[@MotoAtheist]

No way I would have paid that cleaning fee if they other guy had already explained the cleaning process when picked up!

[@ashurean]

I don't usually complain about fees and the like, if I fucked up, fine. Consequences are a part of life. But 75$ for a cleaning fee???????? You bet your ass I'm getting a manager.

[@richieforthewin1422]

Karen?? Is that you?

[@TheSLG74]

Wow! Great result. Very informative.

[@boher3665]

I have started lawn renovation in my backyard by following your procedure. Your video is awesome. Thanks.

[@buzrash]

How has it been. What did you use

[@LawnTips]

Love this video man. Needs more views!

[@reygomezhvac8346]

Wow I live in the same town u do. That's amazing. Can't wait to see this lawn and more of ur videos. Morganite is awesome I use it myself in my lawn.

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

by the description on the bag, it seems to be sewage sludge. a small composting toilet would do the same job.

[@mengels]

Good, realistic and funny. Good watch.

[@WorldOfAmazing101plus]

Great job!!! Hard work pays off.

[@Valetic6]

Dude, that’s when you ask for a manager. $75 to hose off those tines? That should take all of about 4 minutes! Some people don’t make that in a full 8 hour day, wtf. I would’ve raised hell.

[@betterinamonth6409]

i actually laughed out loud when you said the home depot slogan instead of the the lowes slogan, then you added that cheeky clip haha

[@JasonExplainsThings]

LOL... a complete honest mistake too.

[@1kmfruit]

0

[@verohandymike]

On the bright side, that yard is a perfect candidate for a renovation.

[@eepkt]

I decided to go to Lowe's and avoid home depot. Thanks, it was so informative.

[@omgnothingisavl]

Home Depot, pays employees $12/hr, charges customer $75 for 30 minutes cleaning of power tool rental. Fkkkk that.

[@leaschmitt2496]

@@poussinmoumoute for full time?? In belgium minimum student job wage is 7€/h. But if you get something decent, like working in a bakery you can get up to 13

[@jakejenning6571]

I myself woulda been cleaning it at their garden center lol

[@donovanboyda6141]

jake jenning take it to the bathroom

[@apples4lemons]

The Lowes switch up earned a like and subscribe

[@DuyNguyenLoc]

I hit the like button just for the Home Depot story lol, thank you for that

[@cochroach10]

That cleaning fee is ridiculous! Lol

[@adamsmith8370]

I love the diss to HD. They screwed me for the last time years ago.

[@aaronthiessen170]

Knowledgeable, handsome fella with a goofy personality, I like it. 😁👍

[@ryanfoster7624]

I loved the Home Depot Lows skit! You did a Great job making it informational and funny/entertaining at the same time

[@Yusuf-ep6yz]

this guy: gets mad at home depot for overcharging him also this guy: “do you know how much i love lowe’s?”

[@rodd.g2754]

Lol

[@SteveBueche1027]

I always take a picture when I rent equipment. If there’s an issue I whip out the picture.

[@someguy5035]

Same. Learned that lesson in the military. They issue you dirty equipment and want it back pristine. Don't think so.

[@matiasfaundez649]

Awesome video. I just moved to a house for the first time with a decent yard and I've been binging on lawn care videos. You're the only one I'm subscribing !

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks. Another great lawn care channel is Ryan Knorr's. Probably the best and most thorough videos about improving your lawn out there. kzbin.info/door/Gmz1qSJjvBPluouoOj1Qkg

[@hardwareclothwww.sebossfen6011]

Impressive green lawn at the end of the video.Thanks for your ideas,people will have a beautiful lawn full of green accordingly, I like you video. Just for who need SEBOSS hardware cloth,1/2,1/4 opening ,19 GA, Hot dip galvanized after welding, double galvanized, strong and sturdy, delicate and beautiful, suitable as gopher wire, protect lawn/garden from all kinds of gophers.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

FYI... poking fun at Home Depot doesn’t mean I hate them or the employee that was a bit “goofy.” Comments that swear about her or that she should be fired will be erased. 😁✌️

[@TheKatlady11]

Yeah, she was just doing her job as trained. I pity her for having to work there.

[@benjaminwallace4626]

You need a toro timemaster That’ll make cutting grass waaaaaay quicker It’s a 30 inch push mower

[@tanishachowdhury2030]

You are a nice person and the video was very helpful. all the best!

[@Ralien666TV]

Great job and entertainingly explained

[@shanew510]

😂😂 love how you switched up on home depot lol

[@mikebing1230]

I would of just asked for a manager explained the situation and refused to pay. Zero chance I’m paying a $75 charge for their lack of instruction/detail.

[@williammuff5485]

yep. zero chance! he's too nice

[@clarkodell1042]

mikebing1230 Home Depot would never see $75 from me or I would return everything I ever bought there.

[@juljasmaharchive]

Karen: can i speak to your manager

[@willyromney]

"Refused to pay"... sure tough guy they would have just charged your credit card you left for the deposit

[@RexBanner_]

Yard look gorgeous

[@eleanort5560]

Your video was very helpful because I did the dethatching and aerating but the weather turned cold again with night temps in the 30's. Thanks for sharing your experience with Home Depot. We all have a love & a hate relationship with this company.

[@davidhensel7666]

Milorganite is a good product. I'd imagine that you'll run into some potassium deficiency problems if you run it exclusively, though. I haven't seen your soil tests so no way of knowing that however. I love me some potassium; it'll make your grass stand up straight.

[@AliAhmad-gr6hk]

Potassium is essential for ANYTHING to stand up. Hence why seafood is rich in it and the effects are great.

[@samyu2971]

I need this here in NJ. I have a de-thatcher rake and am getting a good work-out. Will definitely rent the aerator (from Lowes). But, can I spread garden soil over the patchy area instead of peat moss?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I'd recommend peat moss or top soil for the patchy areas. That's what I've had good results with. And yes dethatching by hand is a ton of work. If you have a small yard the Mantis tiller I used in my spring lawn video works great. If it's huge you'll want to rent a big one. Thanks for watching Sam!

[@tdfoist]

Jason Explains Things bb nik km

[@meandmsjones8755]

@@jasonk3038 OR ANY BAG FROM LOWES., LOL

[@krismarshall9720]

Hi Jason I’ve got miracle grow patch magic that I’ve sprinkled over my part of the lawn that never really gets any sun is it still ok to sprinkle compost on top of the seeds ?

[@kanemtb4497]

get from Taylor rentals

[@drew3354]

Much improved. Good work.

[@GreenDragonPainting]

I have been watching lawn videos for 2 years now. I have the absolute WORST, most EMBARRASSING front lawn in the neighborhood. It dosen't help that my neighbor has the best 😏 I have spent money and tried for 2 season's with little to zero success to get a nice lawn. I don't even want perfect, just nice. After watching your videos i believe i will be going the top dressing route the next time I decide to drop 200 bucks on grass seed. Seeing this video has given me confidence all over again! 3rd round coming up!😁

[@King_Alfred_849]

I would not have paid that extra charge! The previous Home Depot guy explained you needed to clean the outside only! I would of stuck to my guns on that.......if she kept on insisting then I would ask to see the floor manager.......it was their mistake.....they need to rectify the problem! Simple 👍

[@MotoAtheist]

Exactly!

[@spiderman1579]

King Alfred 👌

[@1ronhall]

Nice job .... I can’t find milorganite, so I’m going to try Ironite for the first time to achieve the deep green color and lawn improvements.

[@GreenDragonPainting]

Ironite works! Ive used it for 2 season's now. It will DEFINITELY green up the grass. Dosen't really have any nutritional benefits though.

[@MariaMartinez-yk8kr]

Look much better. Good job. Am going to do it in my yard.

[@UnconventionalChef]

You had me dying with the Lowes plug!😂😂I really appreciate you making this job not so intimidating. I'm now ready to battle my backyard!

[@ignantxxxninja]

Come to think of it, Lowes is closer to my house than Home Depot is... hmmmm lol

[@jaydoe3707]

I drive farther to go to Lowe's because Home Depot sucks.

[@TheKatlady11]

Us too! And besides all the other reasons (they tend to mount up), our closest HD just lets people waltz in w/o masks on during Covid. Good place to stay away from on all counts.

[@theblackalbundy5056]

Grass looks great

[@mrbill8476]

Fantastic job Jason. I have enjoyed watching your videos. 😊😊👍👍

[@steviethiccc7070]

"its better than ryobi..." Anything is better than ryobi lmaooo

[@abelgonzalez4437]

I like how I watch all of this lawn care shit yet I only mow my yard and call it perfect

[@MEF29777]

I remembered this video about cleaning fee ... so I put 2 gallons on water in my truck bed just in case when returned sod cutter 😬👍

[@JasonExplainsThings]

😆

[@butterfly-pf8lj]

Great video i just need to watch it one more time

[@USAFTACP]

We definitely had a crazy fall and winter this year, at least in Eastern Washington, snow in September then mild temps until January and now heading in to spring is now back up in the 50s itching on 60. How did the lawn restoration hold up?

[@ggunboxing8540]

just clean everyting and give it back as clean as it was when you got it

[@J0hn.R]

Home Depot is the worst placed I’ve worked at. I finally let that out! Amazing video I will be doing this in the fall in TX

[@ayo30s]

I totally got Blindsided by Lowe’s Advert, Nice One, 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@gregbrown3082]

30 second intro? Ain't nobody got time for that.

[@GATORSK8TER]

If I was to spray weed killer in my yard I would have nothing but dirt

[@eliseintheattic9697]

That's what I did and the only grass left is what's creeping in from the neighbors yard. 😁

[@GATORSK8TER]

@@eliseintheattic9697 lol that's bad maybe it will leave your neighbors and come to your yard prime area to grow lol

[@tlnfs360]

Thumb up for the informative video, subscribed for the comedy. Lol I love it. Home Depot's employee threaded me wrong too. So I feel ya.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks, I did a series of lawn videos last year that didn't get much exposure. Hope you enjoy them. They improve on a lot of aspects of this video.

[@ChrisPadillaAZ]

Good job!! Man that back yard is huge!!!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks! I have lots of plans for it.

[@JonBecker81]

Some of that “dead stuff” didn’t look so dead.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Dead stuff and weeds.

[@marrero0235]

Bro your videos are amazing. You break down everything perfectly and make it simple for beginners. Thanks

[@10Flat]

Great job. Thanks for heads up about machine cleaning.