New homeowner. I’m very proud of the improvements I’ve made inside the home and today was unseasonably warm, so I wanted to work outside. The yard is a travesty from the previous owner and I’m embarrassed to be the ugly house in the cul-de-sac. I went to blow the leaves out of my new fenced area for my dog, but it’s just dirt underneath. Should I just leave it until spring and then get grassy down? I’ll just keep her out of the yard until it grows?
But I want her to use the yard eventually so should I use a clover mix? Is that hardy? I really don’t know much and I appreciate any help you can give.
by cannotadult22665
10 Comments
Mulch em small. Free nutrients for when you seed in the spring.
There’s pros and cons to either action.
On one hand, if you just leave the leaves as is, they’ll prevent weeds which are likely to numerous in such a bare lawn (especially nasty summer annual weeds like crabgrass)
On the other hand, if you don’t remove the leaves now, for the same reasons that the leaves will prevent weeds, they’ll also prevent grass seed (and sod from taking root). The leaves will be much more difficult to remove the longer they sit, they’ll start to stick to the ground as they decompose.
If it were me, I’d run over the leaves to mulch them up into dust, let it all sit for a bit, and then blow most of it off. That way you get *some* of the leaf dust and finer pieces that linger (contributing to organic matter and nutrients), while still allowing planting in the spring. Then till and topdress before planting… Knowing full well that you’re going to have a weedy year.
With that many leaves, I am guessing there is a pretty good canopy above. I would recommend to mulch the leaves and then grow a shade tolerant grass. St Augustine or zoysia is what I would try, but you can also use a fescue or a ryegrass.
Mulch ’em up real good
Leave the leaves a little longer, lots of animals use them for harborage through the winter.
Mulch and leave
I love that OP thought there might be some grass under there and was surprised lol
Did the leaves consent?
Where are you ?
Manage your expectations if there’s Oak trees and shade. It looks like your back yard slopes too. Erosion will be an issue IF you try to seed back there.
This reminds me of my backyard, almost exactly like yours actually. I usually blow the leaves off the bare spots in the winter to prevent mud as much as possible. It makes weed control more difficult in the spring and summer but with a dog and our wetter climate I’d rather deal with weeds than consistent mud puddle