At my whits end with this yard. I live in the Maryland and for the past three years have tried many things including aeration, seeding, over seeding, straw for containment, fertilizer, topsoil, etc.
I have a moment of hope several weeks from laying grass seeds that I have a full lawn, but doesn't last a full season.
I will mention that this yard has a very terrible slope at the bottom, several corrugated draining pipes that run along the side of the fence and one that runs horizontally at the top of the yard. Also, a labradoodle that is still fairly young and active.
Any assistance or advice is much appreciated. Also to mention that I am not opposed to sod, but would like to consider as last resort. Lastly, in the past I have avoided having the dog out there as the grass matures, and I am willing to do so moving forward.
by Stuntasticgreger
3 Comments
Check out the [Cool Season Starter Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/s/FetSGi0hFi).
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Generic advice for grass and dogs:
– Mow high for your grass type (this is most important. 3.5-4 inches for cool season, warm season depends on species)
– water deep and infrequently. Do not water every day.
– check and correct soil pH
– keep it moderately fertilized
– for cool season, fall overseed with multiple different varieties
– consider also overseeding with clover. I DON’T recommend a clover-only lawn… But clover mixed with grass can be very resilient.
– consider blocking off areas that are severely damaged, to give grass time to recover (or new seed to become established)
– in the winter, throw down a bunch of straw over high traffic areas (or put up temporary fencing, especially if you seeded in the fall). Rake it/mow it up in the spring.
– Core aerate and immediately spread about a half inch of sand and organic matter. For example, 50/50 sand and compost. This will help alleviate compaction and encourage drainage (which minimizes urine damage).
– yearly light gypsum applications (5-10lbs per 1,000 sqft) may **slightly** help prevent future urine damage by acting as a mild chemical buffer. Emphasis on the words may, slightly, and mild.
– For cool season zones, checkout the [Cool Season Starter Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/s/FetSGi0hFi) by u/nilesandstuff
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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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