How do you start your backyard over?

Question

Okay so my dad wants me to regrow our backyard which is in a horrible state after not being cared for properly for 6 years. There is grass already planted in it but it does not seem very healthy. How do I take that out so I can put in new grass? Also, do you recommend sod or just seeding in the grass? I have no clue about this....
Thank you~

Answer 1

your best bet would to start by mixing a new layer of topsoil with the existing native soil rather than layering straight on top. Blend (till) it into the top 6-8" of native soil.

Keep seedbed slightly damp at all times (water frequently and shallowly such as every day for 10 minutes) but not soaked/saturated until the seeds sprout (germinate). Then gradually increase the time between watering and the amount of water you apply. After 3-4 weeks following germination you should be watering deeply and infrequently instead of shallowly and frequently.

Fertilize at time of sowing and again 4 weeks later. Then fertilize again in september and in late october. avoid fertilizing during hot summer months.

Mow frequently and mow high. Mow grass 2.5-3.5" tall.

and good luck!

(my hubby to be helped me out with this one)

Answer 2

Well you do not ahve to take it out, Grass is very spcial, because even after you trated it with no care, but then with care, it will still look healthy.

I would recommend cutinng it down first so its very short.
Then sprinkle top soil over it so you almos thave a new layer. then apply grass seeds. I recommend Scotts Turf Builders
REmember to water your lawn when you do this, or the grass sees will not sprout...or die.

After 1-2 weeks, you can apply lawn fertilier to it, again, make sure you water it welll.

Lastly, jsut keep you lawn in good shape.
Such as

WAter it if it's dry, but do not overwater
Keep it to a minimal length, so, it depends on you how long you want it, but jsut dont make it ETREAMLY long

Answer 3

rent a sod cutter if the lawn is real bad, remove sod, add some good top soil rotor-till entire area, rake level and seed with a good seed mixture for your area and the just sit back and keep it moist till it starts to grow and then water good every day or to keep the top of the ground damp, as it starts to come thicker and grows up to about 3 inches you can water once a week or so and then mow it regularly at about 3" tall. sorry also forgot to say add starter type fertilizer to with the seed.

Answer 4

I would first start with a good weed and feed product. You can find this at plenty of different types of stores. Follow the directions. After about two weeks, see what you have to work with. For bare spots, you can buy "repair" products--they have seed, mulch, and what looks like paper in them. It's the inexpensive alternative to hydro-seeding. The trick to using that stuff is to keep it well watered.

Answer 5

Hi ~
I would hire someone give advice about my lawn ... that would be the best and then consider planting a very nice shade tree ... and buy some lawn furniture ... and for this season, get some potted plants like geraniums .... maybe 2 pots of pink, one pot of white and 1 pot of a fuscia colored geranium .... they do not require much care .... just some water now and then (say twice a week) and sunshine ... best of luck


Peace & Love