We’ve now been in our home (6b, Missouri) for almost 3 years. The lawn was not great when we moved in, nor was it awful. We do not have irrigation. I say that because I’m aware that we will not have a “pristine” fescue lawn in the hot months.
I absolutely love being outside and taking care of the yard and my plants, however this last year has been SO discouraging. I’m not seeing any progress and honestly feel like I’m going backwards!! It seems like everywhere I look, there is a new type of weed taking over! I cannot keep up. Every time I mow, I put the mower away feeling deflated.
I am overseeding each fall with TTTF and using pre-emergent in the spring. This year, I used weed & feed because of my fully re-seeded areas from last fall. Was that a mistake?
I also did a soil test this spring and had great pH, essentially zero nitrogen, low phosphorus, and high potassium. I’ve been applying Milorganite for this??
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE 😵💫 I don’t want perfect. I just want wayyyy less weeds and healthy grass. My yard looks like shit.
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1: this is a section I nuked and replaced with TTTF last fall. It came in beautifully. This is what I have now. So maddening.
2: backyard currently
3: side yard currently that was also nuked and replaced last fall
4: back yard May 2024
5: back yard April 2024
6: back yard Dec 2022 (when purchased)
7: currently – is this even crabgrass?? My two applications of pre-emergent didn’t even phase it.
8: yet another weed
by NormalVoice7150
12 Comments
TTTF fescue has to be babied for the first year or two until it gets deeper roots and can withstand heat and drought better. It’s still a baby and my guess is that the lack of irrigation is causing an issue and won’t let it get fully established
I’ve read you should mix in 10% KBG with 90% tall fescue. Make sure the seed has 0% Rye. Check out your local SiteOne.
This is maddening for sure especially after all the hard work that goes into it. I found a website that tells you exactly how to take care of each grass type in one printable PDF page… hope it helps you, bud. It’s helped me keep on top of Zeon Zoysia sod I just put down back in May.
https://info.supersod.com/hubfs/Care%20Cards/SS_EliteTallFescue_CareCard_Final.pdf
After the third beer
Maybe it’s worth just trying to nail down one section.
If you overseed again this year, just do a section of the lawn. That way if it doesn’t work you at least didn’t give all the effort.
Drive xlr8 is probably what you need for killing crabgrass.
You can use speed zone to kill the broadleaf weeds.
How much do you water? That’s probably what’s causing it to struggle. Make sure to water at least once a week for an inch. More during the summer. You can also see if fertilizing will help bring some of it back.
Have you had your soil tested?
I give up about 5 times a season but the competition keeps me going
I would suggest working in sections. I do this because I have 3 dogs, and i need to fence off the section. In the meantime, I do my best to use pre and post emergent on the remaining area. My overseeds do well. I use a rachio on my sprinkler to set up a watering schedule as well.
Never give up never surrender-buzz lightyear
Never give up
Without irrigation it is going to be hard to establish. When its dry out its too much stress for the new grass without proper irrigation.
Are you watering? If you are stepping on grass, and it doesn’t rebound quickly when you remove your foot, you should be watering. I do like an hour every few days, more frequently if it’s really hot. I also do a fungicide (3 treatments in warm months) and grub treatment.
Also, over-seeding should be down every 2 years… it gives time for the roots of existing lawn time to really establish.
Fellow Missourian. I feel your pain. We had a historically wet spring followed by a dry and hot summer. Tough going for us all this year. Anyone who doubts climate change while living in a transitional zone like ours is insane. Firmly 7a which was unthinkable 15 years ago