Hey, so my family and I just moved into our new house and my goal is to try to get the yard in shape so the kids can enjoy running around in nice soft grass instead of dirt, mud and sticks. Right now the backyard is basically completely dirt, sand, or some kind of moss type stuff. The front yard at least has grass (not pictured) but it’s not very pretty grass that’s for sure
Thing is, I’m terrible at anything to do with lawn care or plants. But I’m determined. I’ve added some pictures of what I’m working with, what would yall recommend I try to get this yard soft and green? Thanks for any suggestions! Oh, we live in southeast Virginia by the way, if that helps at all
by digitalboredom996
4 Comments
You might want to lay a path of landscaping chips in the traffic areas so you aren’t walking on whatever grass you go with.
Fine fescue is probably your best bet. There are still minimum amounts of sunlight required, so if you can increase sunlight by trimming trees it will help. If moss is growing in an area you want grass, grass won’t thrive there. You can kill the moss, but moss thrives due to the light and moisture conditions that grass can’t tolerate.
Fine fescue does not tolerate much foot traffic from humans or pets and has lower fertilization needs. 1 pound of N per 1000 square feet – maximum per year.
Is that bare sand I am seeing there? If so you are going to want to amend that as there is nearly 0 nutrients in it and it also basically just sheds off fertilizer.
I went with Snap Back RR from United Seed which is a tall fescue blend. Have a similar situation and thought I’d be SOL, but I’d say 85-90% germinated over a 2 month drought last year.
It’s very drought resistant, shade tolerant and can survive heavy foot traffic.
Might need 2-3 good seedings and some prep but it’s working for me, I’m very excited to see how much it really starts growing in the fall.