Just moved in and I’m pretty sure we now have what has historically been the neighborhood dog pee lawn, and a new neighbor made it clear that this property has not been very well maintained. These photos are the current state.
My gameplan based on a very well qualified friend, as well as Gemini:
1) fertilizer down via spreader (Scott’s new grass turf builder)
2) seeding down via spreader (Pennington tall fescue)
3) moss going down tomorrow by hand, mostly on the completely barren spots (premiere peat moss)
4) it will rain in two days so I’ll hopefully be able to water a little tomorrow, but then sprinkler 5-10 minutes per section of the yard each day
Any and all critique is encouraged, welcomed and appreciated. I’ve also shared a photo of a family members lawn, which is the ultimate goal…
by ajc323232
9 Comments
Check out the [Cool Season Beginners Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/comments/fb1gjj/a_beginners_guide_to_improving_your_lawn_this/).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/lawncare) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Can’t add the photo of my family members beautiful lawn, but just imagine a fairway at Augusta.
You have a good plan. Just be patient.
Switch the Pennington tall fescue for Lesco tall fescue from site one if you can.
Consider aerating too. IDK anything about this but your lawn looks a lot like mine and the advice I’ve gotten was to aerate. FWIWi did it last year and it made a nice improvement, but still not what I want it to be.
Aeration, then aerate after that aerate before you seed then after, then aerate and overseed rake in some top soil, seed, straw then water enough to keep the straw damp.
I agree you should aerate before seeding. If this has been neglected it might be rock hard and compacted. And aerating just helps seed in general.
Probably not required but it will certainly help
Appreciate all of the comments.
Is aerating after seeding helpful of is it too late? I only had access to a normal rake and a small metal rake, so I essentially went around scratching up the surface. I already seeded and spread fertilizer, but could get a step-on aerator this weekend
I would hold off on fertilizer, it isn’t needed yet. A better seed would be optimal in this case, almost anything on a big box store shelf is mediocre seed at best. Peat moss is a good choice for helping keeping seed in place and moist. Keep it the seed damp as consistently as possible. It may take multiple waterings a day.