U of I:

El Paso (near Peoria and Bloomington) was hit really hard by the drought last year. It is still dry here in March 2006! In my front yard (where there is no shade), the grass was "fried" by the sun in lots of places. There are dead spots that range in size from 2" in diameter to 18" in diameter all over my front yard. I didn't do anything last fall to try to fix because it stayed so dry. I figured I'd try to re-plant this spring. The spots show no sign of coming back.

I read several postings that mentioned April is the best time to re-plant. When in April is the best time? Earlier or later in the month?

What is the best way to prepare the bare spots to plant seed in? And, what is the best thing to cover the seed with to get it growing? Do I need straw, burlap, or some other cover?

Thanks,

Darain Schug

The sooner the better - just do not work the soil if wet. Remove dead grass down to soil. Roughen soil and then level. Plant grass seed or lay sod. Water till established. By the way they are perdicting a worse drought this year compared to last year. You may want consider repairing your lawn in the fall.