How do I get grass to grow in difficult area?

Question

We have reseeded for 2 falls and a spring. We loosen the dirt (very poor quality) seed and fertilize. The grass will grow but then it dies. Can't tell if the excess rain from the roof or the roots hit the rock hard dirt or something else is causing the grass die. I need suggestions please. Husband wants to till up the dirt and reseed this fall. I am leaning towards sod. It is a very shady area. PLEASE ANY ADVICE?

I live in Kansas

Answer 1

If you till the soil again test it to see if it acidic. If so apply a layer of powdered dolomite lime to bring the PH down. Formshady places you need use grass seed for grass that prefers shade. Red Fescue is a good choice. After the first lawn cutting apply a good quality fertilzer (sparingly). Seeded areas need to be kept uniformly moist at all times while germinating. After it begins to grow give it adequate water. Do not cut until it is about four inches long. Raise the deck on your moer so that you are only removing an inch of grass during the first mowing. After that cut no shorter than 2 inches. The most important thing is the acidicity of the soil and the type of grass seed. Grass likes a neutral PH. If not acidic enough ask your garden center for help.
By using this method of soil treatment I have managed to get grass to grow un der Birch trees and the edges of the lawn near Spruce trees both which make the soil acid. I treat those portions of the lawn each year with lime.If you apply lime water it in wwell and wait at least 7 to 10 days before seeding.

Answer 2

till your soil 4 inches deep. strip away 2 inches. put a good quality topsoil over the area and plant a hardy grass like zoyzia (probably from sod). The key is to get 2-3 inches of roots established.

Answer 3

DONT GET SOD!!!!

it will do the same as your grass... once it rutes what ever is killign your grass now will kill the sod! sod is very exencive and u will waste your money!

as for your problom you defenetly need to till at least the top 6" and pat down not too much and re plant.. fertalize after you see groth and water the following week after fertalization...

good luck i hope i helped :)

Answer 4

Rye grass works miracles.There's also a product on the market called Contractors Seed.Its a mix of seeds that will grow under most conditions.I've never tried it but I can tell you with out hesitation "Rye Grass" Works........

Answer 5

try amending the soil to make it better with feeder potting soil,like miracle grow potting soil,loosen the ground and mix it with the potting soil and then add a layer of top soil!you can buy it at home depot !and then make sure you are using the type of grass that likes shade!and water !try using a miracle grow feeder and mix once a week!that should give it a little bit of a chance!

Answer 6

REmove any overhanging branches that block out sunlight.
Grass needs lots of sun, by nature it craves bright sustained sunlight. Just limb your trees. Go up about 20 feet or so and bring em down as you descend. I've done it and it makes a big improvement.

Answer 7

Prep the floor and upload new soil. more beneficial soil on proper after laying the seeds. Bermuda grows ideal in the desolate tract. Water two times an afternoon once you ought to to keep the floor moist. ought to take longer than maximum places, notwithstanding it will take position!

Answer 8

Go to wal-mart and purchase shady spot grass seed.