I agree with what John said. Before you till, put the appropriate
amounts of lime, fertilizer, etc on top so it is mixed in. In the
spring, put down a good lawy fertilizer, and preemergent weed control.

John Caldwell wrote:

John, I don't know what zone your in, but in the Midwest our crabgrass roots
die in January so there is no need to dig them up. The real problem is that
the seed heads will distribute in Sept. and Oct. and that is what will cause
you the grief next spring. I know that Roundup does a good job killing the
plant but if the seed head has already been set, I doubt that the chemical
will sterilize the seed. Tilling the soil is good because it will bury the
seed deep into the ground where they are unlikely to reach soil level. Grass
seeds generally aren't viable if buried below 3/4". I prefer tilling rather
than aerating for preparation of soil. But handling a big rototiller is a
lot harder than it looks.
"John F" wrote in message
om...
Recently I had to use Roundup in a very big area of my yard in order
to get rid of crabgrass (I needed to do it early enough before the
cold weather so I can seed the area now). I have read somewhere that
after killing the crabgrass is important to till the soil to get rid
of the roots. But some people have mentioned that if I aerate several
times that will be enough to prepare the soil for seeding tall fescue.
This is my first lawn and obviously my experience is limited. I will
appreciate any thoughts you may have. Thanks!