Lawn Reconstruction

[rsibill]

Hello All,

I am a relative newbie! I work in New Jersey.

I have two situations in question.
#1 - a lot of moss, in shady area.
#2 - weeds, some moss, shady area

Each customer wants recommendations on Seed or Sod (I usually say sod is for the impatient, however I believe the cost to customer would be about the same considering I am trading labor to prep vs cost of sod.

Question: In assessing a lawn for reconstruction (seed or sod) I would venture to say a soil test would be prudent(is this necessary?). Then note weeds, moss, topsoil condition (water washing away soil - leaving rocks and roots) - (clay or sandy soil) anything else?.

I would then venture to clear out old lawn (should I do this with a thatching machine - rake out debris, then rototill, then add new topsoil w/appropriate nutrients?

Seed with shade seed and pen mulch fertilizer?

Please let me know if I am on the right or WRONG track.

thank you in advance - just trying to do the right thing!

-Bill

[MJM landscaping]

Well if moss is growing then there is shade. Even if you get the grass to grow again the moss will come back. Try solving the problem of the shade first. If there are trees suggest cutting them or at least limbing them up.

[chriscraft]

thin out the limbs a bit for more sunkight,use a herbicide, if liscensed to kill the moss, and use a shade tolerant grade, pennlawn red fescues are very shade tolerant but need to be mixed with other blends, like perennial ryes. poa trivialis loves shade also

[rsibill]

I figured it was not a solution just addressing the soil. If I can not do much with my trees - other options?