Lawn Improvement

[Gomez]

I'd like to improve my front lawn. There are some thin spots and it just doesn't look as healthy as it should. I'm think of renting an aerator, putting down "Turf Buider" and putting down new seed in the thin spots. Or would it be better to use an overseeder? Thanks.

 

[theboman]

If it's a small area just replace the topsoil by buying a few bags of topsoil for Lowes, etc. Jusst add grass seed, cover a little and water a lot in a few short days a happy area appears.

You may just want to add some topsoil to the area or even breaking it all up with a rake, hoe, etc.

I have spots all over the place in my yard that I've been patching the past year or so. A couple were nothing more than fill dirt used to level the yard where we had some septic tank/line work done. I've dided all of the above and more.
A couple stubborn spots I bought bags of Scotts Patch ? to give the areas a boost, ask me next week on how it's doing.

 

[s1120]

Compost, compost, compost. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

aerate, top dress with some compost, and you will see wonders.

 

[bubenberg]

i live in the sam state and same county you do, gomez. for looks go ahead and use some rye grass this spring. the reasons are twofold only about 33% of your grass will survive especially how dry it has been for the last eight month. this fall spread the grass seed of your liking and aerate and fertilize right after, but watch out you need water, so be prepared if this mini drought continues, to water your project

 

[ouimguy]

Definately aerate. But, wait till your grass is actively growing before you pull plugs (if thats your plan). I maintain lots of turf and the easiest thing a person can do to improve there turf, (other than feed it, groom it, and water it) is to aerate it. I aerate 5 to 6 times a year. I have been told that you can never aerate enough. Plus it will help your thatch, and even do a little bit of leveling. Let the cores dry then mow. Then see how dull your blades get.