So, we are back at it and working on that lush green lawn we dream about.
First, Hubs had a professional lawn service come out and analyze our yard, for free! If the price was right, we would have probably left it up to the pros. But, we were looking at about $2,000 using a pro. So, as it typically goes, we came to the conclusion that we could totally do this whole lawn program they gave us ourselves and save plenty of money!
What we found out:
1) Our yard is sparse and seeding is needed
2) We have tons of weeds. Luckily they are controllable chickweed and clover
3) We have uncontrollable bent grass
4) No insects or diseases were found
5) Our soil is full of clay and loam. That stuff is tough!
6) We get about 60% sun and 40% of partial shade
Our recommended lawn program:
1) Lots of weed and crabgrass treatment
2) Use lime to raise the pH (we had tons of moss which tends to indicate a very acidic lawn)
3) Alleviate soil compaction to improve air movement and water penetration. Basically aerate with overseeding
4) Slide seed which plants new seed directly into the soil and eliminates the need to till of strip. It helps the lawn grow thicker and allows it to tolerate stress conditions better. This however requires a commitment to watering 2 times a day
We did our weed control (basically killing the yard) a couple of weeks ago.
Then, on Saturday, we decided to take on our fall yard work, in a reduced timeframe due to company that was to arrive at 5 PM. Who says a little stress isn't good for the body.
1) Aerate - we rented the machine for $40 for 1/2 day
All the little holes punctured in our yard
2) Slide Seeder - used to implant the seed
3) De-thatch the yard
3) Lock the dog on the porch for subsequent steps
4) Fertilize
5) Lime - to raise the pH of our acidic yard
6) And then stare at all your seed
What we used ...
Then, when all is said and done, your super tired and do a lot of this
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