Is it best to aerate or just re- sod an old lawn?

Question

I live in Chicago, I have unsuccessfully tried for two summers now to make my lawn look decent. I am very frustrated at this point. My lawn is approx 9000 sq ft and has some sunken in spots (few) but I believe the dirt is really compacted. It has bald patches, brown patches, weeds,you name it-It's not horrible looking, I am told, but it's not that lush green lawn I want. I've come a long way, though- the previous owner was an elderly woman that had not taken care of it in years. There was no grass to speak of really when I first moved in, so I have made progress I guess.

Sorry for rambling :) - given the area I need to take care of by myself. Is it easier to re-sod, aerate and re-seed or move away? (just kidding) ANY advice would be appreciated.

OH!- Should I rent a machine or can a manual one that seeds and aerates do the job? (Like the ones at Home Depot)

Answer 1

Resodding 9000sqft would be really costly. Sounds crazt to me. And unless you prepared the soil you put the sod on top of you will continue to have the same problem.

Sounds like a big job and renting an aerator would be good.
Firat! spread a layer of good mulch or composted steer manure. There is now fancy much just for lawns that has helpful fungi in it (mychorhizal). Then go over thw whole thing with the hole poker. Then after that rake it nice and smooth, filling in the low spots.

Then after you've watered in down, spread a overseeding of the proper seed. Make sure you research some to find what kind of grass is best for your situation.

BUT, the idea of 9000sqft of lawn sounds excessive. Do you have a soccer team or what?
Try adding some other groundover plants and a few islands of perennials. Maybe bury a few bulbs here and there.

There are good site about Native Gardening in you area. Try seeing what "WildOnes" has to offer in the way of ideas.

Answer 2

start over--it's utimately less work, and will look soooo much better. OR you can give up on the lawn route altogether (gasp!) and go with a durable groundcover plant, like woolly tyme, caraway tyme, blue star creeper, baby's tears, little gem candytuft, herniaria glabra, chamomile, etc. or a combination thereof. this route will be less work, less water, no mowing, and probably wind up looking better for all that, as it takes enormous committment to keep a lawn looking decent, and there are better things to do with your time, aren't there? till up the soil first, tho, and amend it. first, just put down some cardboard with some compsot and small-grain mulch on top, let the weather do the work of sod-killing and soil improving. then till it in the spring.

Answer 3

Areate and leave the turds and overseed. Once done that you'll have to keep the seed damp at all times. This will take watering lightly at least 3 to 4 times a day. Don't soak it as you'll wash away the seeds.

Answer 4

I would aerate and re-seed, be sure to water daily.