Good Afternoon Nicole, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

There are several items to consider. Are you planning to grow another turf grass lawn?

Here is a link to consider NOT tilling the lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/reducing-tillage-your-garden

Please click on the following link for turf grass lawn information: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability

Here is a link to growing a fine fescue seed lawn which has lower maintenance and water requirements than regular turf grass lawns: https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/planting-and-maintaining-fine-fescue-lawn

Please click on this link for information about planting a bee lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn

Here is a link for possible cost sharing projects with the Lawns to Legumes program for your lawn: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l

Good Luck!

I would like to grow a fine fescue seed lawn. What would be the best way to start?

Good Afternoon Nicole, 

Thank you for reading through the information. 

Here is a link with detailed steps for lawn renovation: 

https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability

You will need to remove the weeds first. You need to decide if you want to kill the weeds with herbicides, or by solarization: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation

Here is a link about seeding the fine fescus lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/planting-and-maintaining-fine-fescue-lawn#seeding-3237711

Good Luck!

Is there any concern with having light brown soil? 

Good Morning Nicole, 

If you read through the information I originally sent you, the " renovating a lawn" information states you should get a soil test. 

Light brown soil would indicate you have a clay soil, but a soil test is important. 

Thank you! I did read through what was originally sent and seen it said get a soil test. However, until I’m able to get the test I had that question and was looking for general info on that type of soil and what needs to be done. Thanks again!

You are welcome!