Growing grass on bare spots after trees are removed?

Question

We removed two shade trees from our front yard that we think were really causing problems growing grass. This winter we planted rye grass seed to try and fill in the bare spots -- we've had some success but not complete. The lawn is St. Augustine and we have full west exposure (Houston, Texas). Any hints on what to do next to insure that the lawn will fill in completely. We still have a few pines trees but they are pretty tall and do not provide any shade on the grass.

Answer 1

Get a good fert on there, go for a slow release to pervent burn, recomend a 40-65% slow release. Typical a good fert can fill in spots no bigger then a pie plate.

Answer 2

I would throw in some more grass seed. I don't think you can over seed. It doesn't have to be perfect, just throw it at random and throw it heavy. The next most important thing is water. LIGHTLY water and keep it next to moist. New seed likes a lot of water. I would not fertilize until the grass comes up a bit. You don't want to burn the grass and you will if you fertilize too soon.

I did a large area of my yard in this manner and it is beautiful.
KEEP throwing in the seed to fill in and it will.............

Answer 3

Now is the time to over-seed. Fertilize and maybe add some lime because the pines tend to turn the soil acidic.

Answer 4

PATCHMASTER grass seed comes in bags for different areas of your lawn