Grass

rosmith · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2002, 06:58 PM

I am so frustrated with my lawn. We have almost no grass in our front yard. We have large trees in the front lawn. I put down weed and feed and do fertilize some. But, we did not water everyday, like I see alot of people do who have the sprinkler systems. I babysit, and the kids have really taken their toll on our back yard!

I need some really "grass for dummies" advice on what to do.

rosmith · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2002, 05:14 AM

Pretty much "all of the above". The front yard is shady and the grass is sparse. I've even thrown down some "shady" grass seed this past summer. I just want grass! There is not a lot of traffic on the front yard. The back yard is shady and there is a lot of traffic, with the kids. Do I need to water every day? Do I water during the winter? What should I do right now, in Oct. to get my yard back in shape?

LJsmom · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2002, 06:21 PM

Go to www.jerrybaker.com This guy is great, has "tonics" for just about everything. Most of them can be made from items already in your house. Our lawn is definitely not the best on the block; I've used a couple of his ideas and its perking up. Of course the drought-like summer here in Chicago didn't help any!

He has a bunch of books too that cover anything from grass to plants and trees, plus tons of other things. I've had luck finding them in the library.

Leigh33ca · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2002, 04:06 AM

My thought is that maybe you have a bug problem, either cinch or grub. Though the lack of water just maybe it.

Just another thought.

augustamom · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2002, 05:36 AM

My husband works for a chemical lawn treatment company his suggestions are as follows: Plant St Augustine seed in the front in the spring, or sod. During the winter you need to lime it. My husband said because of the kids in the back and the shade trees there is not much you can do. Bermuda grass is a high traffic grass but only grows in sunlight. I hope this helps. jenni

adamsmom · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2002, 10:41 AM

What kind of grass you're trying to grow does make a huge difference. Certain types will not grow in shade, like Burmuda. Zoysia is a good choice for shade, and there are others, depending on your climate. There are also more hardy varieties that will grow well with high traffic. I would suggest having a lawn care company come out and get the yard started for you. It will cost some money, but you will save a lot of money and effort trying things that don't work. The lawn care people in your area will know what grows well in shade, and they will teach you how to take care of it.

Janey

LJsmom · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2002, 02:30 PM

Isn't Zoysia that grass that looks great but as soon as the warm weather ends it looks brown and dead? My brother had this stuff in patches in the front (bad previous owners) and had to have it ripped out.
Probably better for the southern climes.

#8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2002, 06:13 PM

They put fake grass in on This Old House I think it was. Cost $3000 but they out it under the swingset and even the kids loved it. Apparently the latest trend for water poor areas and those who can't get it to grow.

buputheclown · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2002, 09:48 AM

We have a area like that in our front yard!
Shady, high traffic, and nothing will grow!!!
I'm learning to make stepping stones to put all through there because it just becomes a mud pit when it rains!!

tanz · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2002, 07:50 PM

sure, its nice to have grass, but from the sounds of it ,realistically it doesnt really seem possible on your property due to the shade.It seems to be a losing battle especially spending money on solutions that wont work due to the way your property is. Why fight it, why not get various groundcover -creeping type plants that LOVE shade and bunches of hostas . That way you will get abondant coverage with plants that would spread and can give you interesting textures and colours.And, you wont have to cut grass!!