Just moved and the previous owner had 3 large dogs in the back yard. How do I get the lawn back in shape?

Question

Our new back yard is just toast!! Big bald spots and huge nasty weeds every where else. We need a serious plan of action. I want a beautiful green lawn and preferably without putting down sod....we dont really have the moola for that. Any advice.?

Answer 1

buy rye grass seed, till it up, spread it , rake it wait for spring.

Answer 2

Don't know where you are located; so this presumes you live in an area with frost. First, if you can't afford to rent a power rake, then get a standard rake and vigorously rake the entire lawn, but especially the bare spots. The purpose is to get rid of debris and to energize the sod you do have.I take it you have some decent grass in spots; so fertilize that now with a good winterizer fertilizer. That will make the good grass healthy and strong in the spring. Then in the spring spread a good quality seed on the bare spots after having lightly raked the soil. Use the back part of the rake head to lightly cover the seeds with about one-eighth inch of soil. Alternatively you could get some bags of top soil and spread a very light layer on the seed. Then water. You don't need to water a lot, just often. Keep the seeded areas wet and in about two weeks the seed will sprout and fill in the yard.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Give it a good mow, fill low spots with sand and a little peatmoss.Reseed with an overseed mix. In the spring mow it and look it over. You could reseed again and mow. If the weeds are way out of hand you might use some kind of a weed and feed product. Keep mowing and reseeding until the grass has overtaken the weeds.

Answer 4

Depending on the size of the yard you have some options. one is to dethatch and over seed. and then use weed and feeds to get rid of the weeds. two is to kill all of the grass and start over. Spray with round up. rototill the yard, remove dead grass and re level the yard(I'm sure with dogs there are some holes and low places. seed straw lime fertilize or you can put down sod. all will depend on the amount of money you want to put into this project. I would stay away from Bermuda once you get it, you got it

Answer 5

You need to simply scratch the soil about 1 inch..weather it be by hand..A tiller..an aerator etc... I suggest, especially being winter now..getting a rye/bermuda grass mix... the rye is winter hardy..and when it gets hot the burmeda will sprout..simply after the soil is "scratched"..sow the seed.. take a common rake over the top of the ground(grass seed only needs to be about 1/4 an inch deep...and then water it as directed

http://www.phoenixtropicals.com/grass.html

http://www.ryegrasses.com/

Answer 6

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