If you have "grade" issues have someone use a sod cutter and start from scratch. All low spots should be filled. Next, besure that your irrigation is working properly. I have used Fishers Landscaping in the past. You can find them under the "find" button on the homepage of Hometalk.

If your lawn is infested with weeds a "total kill" and replacement will give you the best results with little headaches. Otherwise, most Weed and Feeds work well. Plug or sod the blank areas after the weeds are dead.

If you are looking for a "total kill" and "full replacement", a round-up application will do the trick. Turn your irrigation off for a couple of days and hand water any shrubs or plants. Mix a teaspoon of dish soap in to your "strong" round-up mix. Spray at high noon in good sunlight. Spray any areas that don't look brown after a few days. You should have a "full kill within a week or so. Do not seed or sod for 14-21 days after everything has turned brown. If you have a grade issue, you may have to call a sod company to remove the sod with a machine.

If you have a irrigation system St. Augustine and Flortam are the most popular. Zoysia and Bermuda grasses are popular too($). Bahia is good for non-irrigated lawns.

Right before rainy season is a good time to seed or sod. You can buy Bahia seed almost anywhere. If you seed, buy some hay to put down on top of the seeds. This will keep the birds from eating most of it. If you would like to lay sod, it is much faster and offers a full lawn. If you choose a local Sod Company they will offer a warranty and immediate results. If you do not have irrigation...wait for the rains. Bahia is a drought tolerant grass and is used on most roadways by DOT. It will go dormant during winter. However, you can still keep it green with irrigation and fertilization. Wait at least 30 days to fertilize any newly planted grass. Ironite can be used during the first week to promote root growth.