How do I fix my lawn? It has numerous problems:?

Question

Last summer, moles devastated it. The lawn has numerous holes and bare spots and it is really soft underneath. You walk on it, and it feels like you are sinking. How do we fix this?

Also, a couple of years ago, we redid the whole lawn (roter tilled, new soil, new seed). But we did not do a good job. The lawn is not flat and is uneven with lots of bumps. How can we fix this?

I am looking for creative solutions. We do not really have the resources to redo the lawn again at this time. I just want it to be safe for the kids to run around in the summer.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Sorry to hear of your problem. To begin with, remove any/all bulb plants you have in your garden. Mole activity is indicitive of the presence of bulbs and grubs. Between the moles and the grub activity you lost significant turf and soils.
All is not lost!! The removal of the bulbs plantings will reduce the moles. The removal of the Grubs will make your property a no-go zone (no food-no-need). With money short it is a problem.
After removing any of the bulbs, you need to roll your lawn.
Every golf course and Wimbeldon do it. You can go to a local landscape store and ask for rental of a roller or make your own. Most rollers are nothing more than a water-filled barrel that you push or pull to flatten out the turf. It's tough if you have to push, but.......... The barrel is filled with water and the weight of the water with the action of a smooth barrel will displace loose soil into the hole it can and show the indentations that it can not.
Afore hand purchase Certifed Ryegrass Mixture from a local nursery or landscape supplier (not Home Depot, Lowes,etc.) Contact local new construction builders such as Toll Bros, and your local and state gov. for the possible delivery of topsoil. Many times such people are looking to dump soil any/everywhere. You can, maybe, get lucky and get soil delivered to you for minimal if not free.
If you need the soil and these sources do not work out have a local person deliver "Non-Screened" Topsoil. You'll have to spread it and rake it for roots and debris, however, a cubic yard of soil is 1/3 the cost of buying at the store. Spread the received soil with a heavy rake into the depressions and roll again.
Topseed at 3-5lbs/1,000 sq foot with you certified seed. You can to that, and your remaining lawn, with a material developed by Penn State (Penn Mulch) which is cheap and effective.
Check with you local State College Extension Agent regarding Grub Control. Their number is generally in the local phone book, although, it can be had through the State College extension. I prefer Sevin, then other chemicals on alternating years, to attack different pests. Good Luck

Answer 2

There are several things you cold do to correct these problems. First would be to get a small roller (1-2 ton) from a rental company in the area that would help you with the unevenness and the softness o the lawn.
As for the bear spots, I would get some top soil and seen and using a metal rake, lightly rake up the bare spots and put down the seed and the dirt. Make sure to keep this watered as you don't want the seeds to dry out.
Also if the moles come back, there are several things you can do to get rid of them. My favorite method is to use a pitch-fork and stab them when you see their tunnels moving up and down. There are also several types of poisons you can put in the hole, (keeps your kids safe) or you can put out a special trap that goes over the tunnels. You can put it out before you go to bed and then check it and even remove it for the day. That way the kids stay safe. Good luck

Answer 3

You can use a tiller to uproot the grass in the areas you want to fix. After that smooth out the area with a rake and re-seed or lay down sod, keeping it wet until it takes.
This is an inexpensive way to fix it.
As for the moles, fill the holes with gravel and wet it with vinegar. This will discourage them from moving in again.

Answer 4

I am a paraplegic I need to change my foot break to a hand break so I can stop my riding mower I bought last year

Answer 5

Till it up and reseed is the best. Once it is tilled up some I drag like a weighted drag behind my mower.