Moved into my home last spring and inherited a neglected lawn. I’m in Zone 8A and overseeded last fall (September) with GCI Cool Blue. I’ve been pretty diligent since then—did a soil test, followed the recommended fertilizer plan, and applied it again last week. I don’t have an irrigation system but have a few tripod sprinkles and I usually stay on top of watering.
This spring, I put down pre-emergent, but I’m still battling a good bit of poa (I didn’t apply anything last fall, so I’m guessing that’s why). Planning to lay down a thick layer of compost this weekend to try to improve the soil before another overseed this fall.
Despite everything, the lawn still looks rough—thin areas, bare patches, and the soil just looks tired. I was hoping to see more improvement by now and feeling a little discouraged. Posting a couple photos here to get feedback from folks who’ve been through it.
Any advice on what I should focus on for the rest of the season? Would love to hear your thoughts—especially on improving soil quality and setting myself up for a successful fall overseed.
Thanks in advance!
(Photos attached)
by MajorHeel17
4 Comments
Apply spring pre-emergents when the 5 day average soil temps are in the 50-55F range. Or use [this tracker](https://gddtracker.msu.edu/).
If you have a question about pre-emergents, read the entire label. If you still have a question, read the entire label again.
Pre-emergents are used to prevent the germination of specific weed seeds. They don’t kill existing weeds.
Most broadleaf weeds you see in the spring can’t be prevented with normal pre emergents. You’d need to apply a specialty broadleaf pre emergent in the FALL.
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Check out the [Cool Season Starter Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/s/FetSGi0hFi).
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Late summer/early fall is the best time to seed cool season lawns.
Regardless, if you are you looking for information about how to overseed a cool season lawn. You can find a comprehensive guide [in this post here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/s/pUsKCxyvwQ)
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If you’re looking for info on how to interpret soil test results, you can find all you need to know [in this post here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/s/LPtlW1pau5)
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