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LERAVA Autumn Lawn Kit – Complete Lawn Regeneration Guide

The LERAVA Autumn Lawn Kit is a complete 21-day program for regenerating an existing lawn through overseeding after summer.

Written by Resty Fulgencio

The program combines:

  1. Aerator – prepares the lawn before overseeding.

  2. Express – reseeds thin, bare, and damaged areas.

  3. Starter – supports the new grass during the initial rooting phase.

  4. CYPERSTOP DP – protects the seeding phase when ant nests or visible ant activity are present.

  5. Marathon Autumn Fertilizer – feeds and consolidates the lawn after the initial germination phase.

The complete sequence

PREPARE → SEED → ROOT → PROTECT → FEED

The main protocol lasts approximately 21 days. The first mowing normally takes place approximately 3–4 weeks after seeding, depending on the height reached by the grass.


Who is the Autumn Lawn Kit for?

The Autumn Lawn Kit is designed for an existing lawn that needs regeneration after summer.

It is particularly suitable for lawns with:

  • thin areas;

  • bare patches;

  • post-summer damage;

  • reduced density;

  • thatch;

  • dead plant material;

  • areas requiring overseeding;

  • a need for strengthening before the cold season.

Can I use it to create a completely new lawn?

No.

The Autumn Lawn Kit is designed for overseeding and regenerating an existing lawn. It is not sized for creating an entire new lawn on bare soil.

It also does not replace major structural soil corrections such as severe compaction, serious drainage problems, or unsuitable soil conditions.


When should I use the Autumn Lawn Kit?

The recommended period is:

September → November

However, the calendar alone should not determine when you start.

Begin when:

  • the strongest summer heat has passed;

  • there is no ongoing heatwave;

  • soil temperatures have stabilized;

  • the lawn is no longer under severe heat stress;

  • you can maintain frequent irrigation during germination.

Important: Do not start simply because September has arrived. Actual weather and soil conditions should be favorable.

The program is intended mainly for cool-season grasses and reinforcement overseeding.


Before starting: check your lawn

The kit does not replace structural soil correction.

If your lawn has significant:

  • compaction;

  • heavy clay soil;

  • drainage problems;

  • water-management problems;

  • permanent dense shade;

  • ongoing severe heat stress;

these issues should be corrected or managed separately before starting the regeneration program.


Complete 21-Day Protocol

Day 0 – Apply Aerator

Apply Aerator on Day 0, approximately 7 days before seeding.

Aerator helps:

  • promote decomposition of thatch;

  • stimulate biological activity in the soil;

  • improve the lawn surface;

  • prepare the lawn for regeneration.

Does Aerator replace raking or scarifying?

No.

Aerator helps decompose thatch, but if there is significant dead material or thatch, you still need to rake and/or scarify before seeding.


Days 1–6 – Allow Aerator to work

After applying Aerator, allow it to work.

The planned interval between Aerator and seeding is approximately 7 days.

There is no need to move the seeding date forward.


Day 7 – Main Regeneration Day

Day 7 is the main seeding and regeneration day.

Follow this order:

1. Mow the lawn

Mow to approximately:

2–3 cm

This helps improve:

  • access to the soil;

  • seed distribution;

  • thatch removal;

  • seed-to-soil contact.

2. Rake thoroughly

Remove:

  • dead grass;

  • thatch;

  • residues;

  • organic material remaining after Aerator.

3. Scarify if necessary

Scarify when the lawn is:

  • very dense;

  • heavily thatched;

  • full of dry material;

  • difficult for seed to penetrate.

4. Make sure the seed can reach the soil

The seed should not simply sit on:

  • dead grass;

  • thick thatch;

  • dry residues.

Good seed-to-soil contact is essential for uniform overseeding.


Express – Overseeding

Express is the seed used for overseeding.

It is used to:

  • thicken thin areas;

  • fill bare patches;

  • regenerate damaged areas;

  • increase lawn density.

How should I distribute Express?

Use more seed in clearly bare or very thin areas and lighter amounts in surrounding areas that only need reinforcement.

Important: Express is intended for the areas that need regeneration. The nominal kit size does not mean that the entire lawn should be reseeded uniformly.

Use Express according to the dosage intended for overseeding, not for establishing a completely new lawn.


Covering the Seed

After spreading Express, lightly cover the seed with:

  • peat; or

  • suitable fine topsoil.

Recommended covering thickness

As a general reference:

approximately 0.5 cm

For completely bare patches, do not exceed approximately:

1 cm

The covering helps:

  • retain moisture;

  • protect the seed;

  • improve soil contact;

  • reduce seed movement.

Do not bury the seed too deeply.


Starter – Initial Root Development

Apply Starter on Day 7, after Express and after covering the seed.

Correct sequence

EXPRESS → COVER → STARTER

Starter supports the seed during its initial development and helps with:

  • rooting;

  • early development;

  • water utilization;

  • young-grass resilience;

  • root-system development.

Starter vs Marathon

Starter = initial seeding and rooting phase.

Marathon = subsequent nutrition and lawn consolidation.

Do not confuse the two products.


CYPERSTOP DP – Ant Protection

CYPERSTOP DP is a ready-to-use insecticidal powder included in the kit to manage ants during the overseeding phase.

Use it only when needed, when there are:

  • ant nests;

  • active nest entrances;

  • clear ant activity in the relevant area.

There is no need to apply it when there are no ant nests or visible ant activity.

When should I use CYPERSTOP DP?

Use it on Day 7, during the same operating phase as seeding.

The sequence is:

EXPRESS → COVER → STARTER → CYPERSTOP DP → ROLLING → WATER

“Together with the seeds” does not mean mixing CYPERSTOP DP physically into the grass seed.

CYPERSTOP DP should be applied locally to existing ant nests.


How much CYPERSTOP DP should I use?

The dose for an ant nest is:

5 g per nest

Apply it:

  • around the nest;

  • at the nest entrance;

  • at active entry points.

What if the nest has several entrances?

The total dose remains 5 g per nest.

Divide the 5 g between the entrances.

Examples:

  • 1 entrance → 5 g

  • 2 entrances → approximately 2.5 g per entrance

  • 5 entrances → approximately 1 g per entrance

Do not convert this into a per-square-metre treatment.

Do not spread CYPERSTOP DP uniformly over the entire lawn.


CYPERSTOP DP – Weather and Application

Preferably apply CYPERSTOP DP:

  • without rain;

  • without wind.

It may be applied locally on:

  • soil;

  • paved surfaces.

The main role of CYPERSTOP DP within the Autumn Lawn Kit is to PROTECT the delicate overseeding phase by reducing ant activity where ant nests are present.

Correct treatment of an ant nest may also eliminate the colony.


CYPERSTOP DP – Safety

Keep CYPERSTOP DP away from:

  • children;

  • pets;

  • non-target animals;

  • food;

  • animal feed;

  • drinking water.

Cypermethrin can be hazardous to:

  • cats;

  • bees;

  • fish;

  • aquatic organisms.

Do not:

  • release the product into the environment;

  • contaminate ponds;

  • contaminate lakes;

  • contaminate ditches;

  • contaminate drains;

  • disperse residues.

Store it:

  • in its original container;

  • in a dry place;

  • protected from moisture;

  • away from extreme temperatures;

  • away from direct sunlight;

  • away from food and feed;

  • out of reach of children and animals.

Technical information

  • Type: Ready-to-use insecticidal powder

  • User: Non-professional / amateur user

  • Pack size: 500 g

  • Active ingredient: Cypermethrin

  • Concentration: 0.263 g cypermethrin per 100 g product

  • Target: Ants and ant nests

  • Indicated species: Lasius niger

  • Function: Fast knock-down effect and nest treatment


Rolling

After applying:

  1. Express

  2. Seed covering

  3. Starter

  4. CYPERSTOP DP, if required

roll the treated area.

Rolling helps:

  • increase seed-to-soil contact;

  • stabilize the covering layer;

  • reduce seed movement;

  • encourage more uniform germination.

Rolling is an important part of the protocol.


First Irrigation

After rolling, carry out the first irrigation.

The reference duration is approximately:

30 minutes

The objective is to thoroughly wet the treated area without creating standing water.

The actual duration depends on:

  • irrigation system output;

  • sprinkler type;

  • soil;

  • exposure;

  • temperature;

  • drainage.

Therefore, 30 minutes is a reference and not a rigid requirement.


Irrigation During Germination

During the first two weeks after seeding, the seed must remain consistently moist.

Reference for overseeding

3–5 irrigation cycles per day

Approximately:

10 minutes per cycle

These are operating references and should be adjusted according to the actual conditions.

The soil should remain:

  • moist;

  • never completely dry;

  • never saturated;

  • free of standing water.

Use a gentle, rain-like spray.

Adjust irrigation according to:

  • temperature;

  • sun exposure;

  • wind;

  • soil type;

  • drainage capacity;

  • actual moisture level.

If the soil dries during the day

Increase irrigation frequency rather than excessively increasing the amount of water per cycle.

If the soil remains waterlogged

Reduce irrigation duration or frequency and check drainage.


Day 14–21 – Marathon Autumn Fertilizer

Apply Marathon between Day 14 and Day 21, after the initial germination stage.

Marathon is used to:

  • feed the new vegetation;

  • consolidate the lawn;

  • support the stage following germination;

  • prepare the lawn for the cold season.

Application

Apply Marathon in the morning and irrigate after spreading.

Product information

  • Formula: NPK 15-5-10

  • Type: Slow-release organo-mineral fertilizer

  • Indicative feeding effect: 2–4 months


When should I apply Starter and Marathon?

Product

Timing

Purpose

Starter

Day 7

Initial rooting and early development

Marathon

Day 14–21

Subsequent nutrition and lawn consolidation

Simple rule:

Starter gets it started.

Marathon consolidates and feeds.


First Mowing

The first mowing normally takes place approximately:

3–4 weeks after seeding

The exact timing depends on how tall the grass has grown.

One-third rule

Do not remove more than:

1/3 of the total grass height

in a single mowing.

For example, if the grass is 9 cm high:

  • cut approximately 3 cm;

  • leave approximately 6 cm.

Do not cut young grass excessively low during the first mowing.


Kit Sizes and Coverage

The Autumn Lawn Kit is available in:

  • 85 m²

  • 135 m²

  • 230 m²

  • 450 m²

  • 900 m²

Important: Does the kit size mean the seed covers the entire lawn?

No.

The nominal kit size corresponds to the amount of Marathon, which is used across the entire lawn.

Express and Starter are sized for the areas that need regeneration.

This is one of the most important points when choosing the correct kit.

Contents

Component

85 m²

135 m²

230 m²

450 m²

900 m²

Marathon

85 m²

135 m²

230 m²

450 m²

900 m²

Aerator

150 m²

150 m²

300 m²

450 m²

3 × 300 m²

Express

30 m²

30 m²

70 m²

2 × 70 m²

185 m²

Starter

35 m²

35 m²

2 × 35 m²

180 m²

180 m²

CYPERSTOP DP

1 pack

1 pack

1 pack

2 packs

2 packs


Autumn Lawn Kit Prices

Prices start from:

€79.90

Reference prices:

Kit

Price

85 m²

€79.90

135 m²

€84.90

230 m²

€124.90

450 m²

€199.90

900 m²

€239.90

Prices may change because of commercial updates or promotions.


Guarantee

The Autumn Lawn Kit is covered by a full guarantee.

For assistance regarding results, product use, or the guarantee, customers can contact LERAVA Support.


Most Common Mistakes

1. Starting too early

Do not start during a heatwave simply because it is September.

2. Seeding without removing thatch

The seed must be able to reach the soil.

3. Burying the seed too deeply

Use only a light covering.

4. Skipping rolling

Rolling improves seed-to-soil contact and helps uniformity.

5. Overwatering

The seed should remain moist, not submerged.

6. Underwatering

The seed must not dry out during germination.

7. Applying Marathon too early

Marathon is applied after the initial germination phase, not together with seeding.

8. Applying CYPERSTOP DP over the entire lawn

It should be applied locally to existing ant nests.

9. Assuming kit size equals seed coverage

The nominal kit size refers to Marathon. Express and Starter are intended for the areas being regenerated.

10. Using the kit to create a completely new lawn

The Autumn Lawn Kit is designed for overseeding an existing lawn.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Autumn Lawn Kit for a brand-new lawn?

No. It is designed to regenerate an existing lawn through overseeding.

When should I start?

Between September and November, once the strongest heat has passed and weather and soil conditions are favorable.

What is Day 0?

Day 0 is the day you apply Aerator.

When do I seed?

Day 7.

Should I mow before seeding?

Yes. Mow to approximately 2–3 cm.

Do I need to rake?

Yes. Remove dead grass, thatch, and residues so the seed can reach the soil.

Does Aerator replace scarifying?

No. Aerator helps decompose thatch, but raking or scarifying is still necessary when required.

When do I apply Starter?

Day 7, after Express and after covering the seed.

When do I use CYPERSTOP DP?

Day 7, when ant nests or visible ant activity are present.

Can I mix CYPERSTOP DP with the grass seed?

No. Apply it locally to existing ant nests.

How much CYPERSTOP DP should I use?

5 g per nest.

What if an ant nest has several entrances?

Divide the total 5 g between the entrances.

Should I use CYPERSTOP DP if I don't see ants?

No. Use it when necessary for existing ant nests or visible ant activity.

Should I irrigate after CYPERSTOP DP?

Yes. Irrigation comes after the protection step and rolling.

How often should I irrigate during germination?

As a reference, 3–5 times per day for approximately 10 minutes per cycle, adjusted according to weather and soil conditions.

When do I apply Marathon?

Between Day 14 and Day 21.

How long does Marathon last?

Approximately 2–4 months.

When should I mow for the first time?

Normally 3–4 weeks after seeding, depending on grass height.

How much grass can I cut?

No more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing.

Does the kit size refer to seed coverage?

No. The nominal kit size refers to Marathon. Express and Starter are intended for the areas being regenerated.


Troubleshooting

The seed is not germinating well

Check:

  • seed-to-soil contact;

  • presence of thatch;

  • covering depth;

  • moisture;

  • waterlogging;

  • temperature;

  • quality of surface preparation.

The seed is being displaced

Possible causes include:

  • water jet that is too strong;

  • insufficient rolling;

  • covering layer that is too light;

  • excessive watering.

The soil dries during the day

Increase irrigation frequency without excessively increasing the amount of water per cycle.

The soil remains constantly waterlogged

Reduce irrigation duration or frequency and check drainage.

Ants are still present

Check:

  • whether multiple nests are present;

  • whether all entrances have been identified;

  • whether the total 5 g per nest dose has been distributed correctly;

  • whether treatment was applied under suitable conditions.

The lawn is very compacted

The structural soil problem should be corrected before or separately from the Autumn Lawn Kit protocol.


Quick Guide: How Do I Use the Autumn Lawn Kit?

Day 0

  1. Apply Aerator.

Wait approximately 7 days.

Day 7

  1. Mow to 2–3 cm.

  2. Rake and remove thatch/dead material.

  3. Scarify if necessary.

  4. Spread Express on thin and damaged areas.

  5. Lightly cover the seed with peat or fine topsoil.

  6. Apply Starter.

  7. If necessary, apply CYPERSTOP DP locally to ant nests at 5 g per nest.

  8. Roll the area.

  9. Irrigate.

First two weeks

  1. Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging.

  2. As a reference, irrigate 3–5 times per day for approximately 10 minutes per cycle, adjusting to conditions.

Day 14–21

  1. Apply Marathon.

Week 3–4

  1. Carry out the first mowing when the grass has reached the appropriate height.

  2. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height in one mowing.

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