Problem Lawn? Take this Approach

Problem Lawn? Take this Approach

A "problem lawn" typically has more than one problem, which can give you a feeling of helplessness. You just don't know where to start to fix the problems.

The key is to step back and break the "big picture" into a series of small ones. Create a list of what your problems are, as well as things you would like to change. Walk through your yard and write down in detail what you need to do.
Is your lawn brown in spots or not growing at all? Do your garden beds need edging? Is ground ivy taking over in an area? Whatever it is, write it down.

Next, prioritize your list. Your priorities may depend on the time of year, the weather, and even what people see first when they pass by your house. For example, fall is the perfect time to do a lawn renovation. You can apply broadleaf weed killer for dandelions, fertilize if you have northern grass and reseed thin or dead areas. Weather also makes a difference. Aerating lawn is easier a couple days after rainfall compared to when your soil is hard as a rock in mid-summer.

There are lots of things you can do now to make sure you have a healthier yard next year. This list can get you started and if you don't know how to complete a project, check out the YardSmarts web site for help or send me a question.

• Apply fertilizer at the appropriate time according to where you live. If you have lots of weeds, put down a fall weed and feed which will at least go after the broadleaf variety for example, dandelions.
• Fall is also a great time to aerate the lawn. Rent an aerator - that actually pulls plugs of soil to the surface, not the kind that just poke holes. This will help blend soil layers if they happen to be a problem and it also will allow more moisture and oxygen to get into the soil.
• Soil is the key. If you don't know your soil type or what your soil might be lacking, get a soil test done. It's easy. All you need to do is purchase a test kit (or get one from your agricultural extension office), take the samples as directed and then send them in.
• Patch up those dead and bare spots. With its cooler days but warm soil temperatures, fall creates ideal conditions for lawn repair. Loosen the soil where you will be seeding and apply a starter fertilizer. Also make sure you keep the seeded area moist until the grass sprouts. Check out Instant Impact for Your Home video to learn more.
• Fix up low areas in your yard. You can top dress low areas by adding small amounts of soil at a time - not more than half an inch. The grass shouldn't be smothered. Go back in a week or two and add another soil layer. Keep doing this every couple of weeks until you have fixed the problem.
• Renovate or start over. This may be the ultimate answer if your lawn has been neglected over the years and is more than 50 percent weeds. To do this, kill off the remaining grass/weeds in the area with a nonselective herbicide. You may need two applications. A few days later, mow the area very low. Then, loosen the soil in the area - a power rake will make this easier. Finally, aerate the area, rake away the soil plugs you pull up and place seed or sod.

The key to a problem lawn is to plan, create steps to manage the project and then execute. Do this one project at a time and you will be amazed at the difference it will make.