Question
I live in Southern California and have had problems with the backyard lawn for the past 2 years. The problems have been due to lack of a French drain which caused some soil erosion and gophers.
I turned off the sprinklers to let the existing grass die; installed a French drain and got rid of the gophers.
Now I have a yard full of dead grass with spots of clay soil where the topsoil eroded.
My question is what do I do now? Do I remove the dead grass and if so how?
I've read that it may be possible to just seed over the dead grass after adding soil amendments.

Answer
Mr. Dekker:

The answer to your question depends on whether the grade on the old grass is satisfying to you.  If so, mow low, overseed, and apply a high quality compost over the lawn.

A high quality compost should be made thermophilically (above 131 deg F) and have a fine texture and a nutrient analysis.  Apply at a 3/8 inch depth to allow sunlight to the seed.

Be sure to water if it has been dry.  The clay should loosen with moisture.

If the grade is not adequate, till, level and sew.  Same compost procedure.

Best wishes.