Growing a new lawn that was Neglected?

Question

My lawn has been neglected for three years. I just bought the house and the grass is brown in some areas. I want lush green grass. Where do I start? Should I cultivate the lawn and then plant seeds? When do I use a fertilizer or Turf Builder? Or should I just seek professional help instead of doing it myself? HELP!!!!

Answer 1

Why are those sections brown?? Could be an underlying condition......tree roots, animal pee, misc chemical spill, improper watering/poor sprinkler system, etc. Knowing what went wrong will help.

Good lawn comes from good soil. Golf courses are always aerating their fairways/greens and topdressing with organic matter. It's the roots that support the lush plants, give them a good home.

First dethatch to remove the thatch layer next to the ground. Then aerate, rent the coring maching that pulls plugs from the ground allowing oxygen into the soil.

Now decide: resod sections, reseed sections or start all over. Would help if you knew what type lawn you have. Garden centers or Cooperative Extension Service might be able to help you there. Use the same or similar grass type. Ask if there are improved grass varieties for your area.

Sprinkler system....if you need one....may need to be redesigned.

Realize, in mature yards grass may not be possible in every area. Heavy tree shade and shallow roots may be a problem. An underlying rock layer may prevent proper drainage. If there's a physical problem that can't be overcome, redesign the yard placing the turf where it will do the best and put the tough areas in alternative plants such as groundcovers.

Answer 2

You can rent an aerator, - even go in with a neighbor for a couple hours of use, since there is usually a minimum for renting. it will 'eat' out little holes in the existing grass, so that oxygen will enter the soil and then the compost you spread on (1/2 inch all over) will add goodness to the soil.

Reseed areas of terrible stress, and cover with straw for protection. You could call your local radio station for a gardening expert (they often do an hour's show on weekends) and get proper advice. Or call the county extension agent (if you are in America) and that person will have great ideas for you.

Answer 3

You can try the aerating and fertilizing. Use the organic fertilizer they sell at Callaway's if you have Callaway's down there. If not use another organic, it does much better over time for the lawn. But I think if you just weed wacked the weeds and they are not dead yet, they may just come back. But if you think they are all dead, give the yard the fert and see what happens. You may have to get some sod for the really bad spots, but see how it looks after a few weeks. Keep it well watered and good luck.

Answer 4

If you have brown spots and the rest of the lawn looks fairly healthy, your problem might be grub worms. Check with your lawn & garden center for recommendations on how to treat. If you are willing to wait, the grass will eventually grow back over these areas. If not, you might want to till over the bad spots and reseed/re-sod.

Answer 5

Erica, so much info is needed to properly address your situation. Where do you live (zone), the square footage of the area, the general weed population, etc. The first thing you want to do is to take a soil sample to a local nursery for analysis. You want the soil at about four inches deep. Take random samples ( approx six) to give the best profile of the overall soil.
With this info in hand you can contact me at [e-mail]. I've managed university turfgrass and golf course renovations and am sure I can help. Good Luck.

Answer 6

You may be able to do it yourself, by running an aerator over the ground and then laying out fertilizer...but its hard to say because you didn't say what type of grass you have.