3

I used weed killer almost 2 weeks ago and I think I am ready to seed and fertilize. My yard is around 9.000 sq ft and backyard gets lots of sun light but my trees block the half part so half part is shade and have almost no grass.(2000sq. ft.) My plan is seed then use milorganite. For shade part I think dense shade would be good the rest I can use shade & sun mix. Before seeding I will add some top soil. Any suggestions would be great. I haven't done any lawn care in my life.

Besides milorganite do I have to use anything else? Like turf starter etc?

Is it too late to seed now? I live in Kansas, it is end of may and weather the 70s.

Edit: I added some photos.

https://ibb.co/iVWZbT

https://ibb.co/npDrO8

https://ibb.co/mEGd38

https://ibb.co/bNuUbT

https://ibb.co/e2P6O8

https://ibb.co/fZgxVo

https://ibb.co/hwhFGT

https://ibb.co/mGpjAo

Improve this question
9
  • Please send a picture or two, Sami. Milorganite is not a balanced fertilizer. I would apply this stuff now because fertilizer is necessary for your established grass. Water it in well. In a few days then over seed. I need to see your lawn, we might be able to save you a lot of work. It is fine to over seed now, hold off on the top soil for a bit. No turf starter. When was the last aeration? You should go read other lawn questions and answers on this site soon and send a picture please..
    – stormy
    Commented May 23, 2018 at 19:33
  • Also, what weed killer did you use? Read what it says about seeding. It is usually 3 weeks or more depending on what product you used.
    – stormy
    Commented May 23, 2018 at 19:35
  • Thank you stormy! I added a couple photos. I don't know when was the last aeration. I bought this home 6 months ago and I had to clean a big mess first. at least 20 yard bags of trash :) Took days.. I am planning on aeration in September.
    – Sami
    Commented May 23, 2018 at 20:16
  • I used Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer Selective Broadleaf Weed Control but I didn't kill some plants or weeds whatever they are in my backyard close to fence line so for those plants I used Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer.
    – Sami
    Commented May 23, 2018 at 20:17
  • Ugh. I am always amazed at what homeowners are allowed to purchase. Gnarly stuff. Here is the label that you have to read thoroughly. We were taught in pesticide seminars and recertification/licensing to read the label 5X each and every time we used any product. This says that you can reseed after 2 weeks. The second one must by glyphosate and kills anything it touches. No seeding there of course anyway but that would take at least 3 weeks before seeding. Pesticide is a bandaid people use when they've made a big mistake. One product I will endorse is Dr. Earth's Lawn Fertilizer.
    – stormy
    Commented May 23, 2018 at 21:09

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Removing lawn replacing with 3/8 minus crushed gravel 4" thick over landscape fabricresidential plan getting rid of lawnLet me try to make this an answer. I need to help you think of other solutions rather than trying to grow grass under those trees. Far better use of your money and time. Forget trying to grow a lawn under those trees.

I have to pause and edit to be able to see all of the pictures.

Adding a couple of pictures for you to imagine. In Japan, you won't find 'lawns' in the parks, just crushed gravel, crushed granite. Wonderfully consistent, low maintenance, beautiful, crunchy alternative to a lawn.

Your lawn that does get sun needs raking to break up that dead debris (need to see closeups of cross section of lawn to determine if thatch is a problem), then mowing 'short' sucking up the debris before you seed.

This lawn looks like it hasn't been fertilized for awhile? Thin. What you do apply for fertilizer won't get through all that dead grass. Let's talk more before you attack your problems. Sure looks like an awful lot more than 9000 sq. ft.!?

Also, your entire fence is in jeopardy of needing replacement within 3 to 5 years. See the dark line of moisture at the bottom of your fence? That soil needs to be removed so there is at least 2" of air between fence and soil.

If you are interested in alternatives to lawn for shade, there are many choices. Gravel is the easiest, prettiest and least expensive.

Improve this answer
2
  • I really appreciate your time and advice stormy!! :) That's lot of great information. My plan is hire professionals and trim tress and 1-2 year max replace fence. I don't know when they fertilized my grass last time and since I bought this house I haven't done anything, it was winter time. I thought it was 9000 sq ft lot. When I bought the house it said on paper 10.000 sq ft and my house is two story 1500 sq ft so I thought it would be around 9000 sq ft. Thank you soo much!!
    – Sami
    Commented May 25, 2018 at 3:03
  • 1
    You are so very welcome. If I were you and others who haven't had the time to learn about gardening, lawns, landscapes, I would bug the heck out of this site before spending a dime. Seriously. Make sure anyone you hire has insurance that protects your home insurance from being used. Get a few bids and recommendations before committing to a company. Here is a formula to remember that will help with your bids; divide the square footage of anything by 81. That will give you the amount of cubic yards for 4" of coverage whether topsoil, or gravel or sand. If you need 2" then divide in half.
    – stormy
    Commented May 25, 2018 at 23:04

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.