Reviving Dead Backyard

[j995]

Hello, I just stumbled across this site and I'm so happy to find this group of lawn care professionals to bounce my dillema off of. My backyard has basically been used for my dog's leisure for the past year or so. I watered it maybe once last year and right now the tall dead grass & weeds are to the point of laying down....think hay..lol.

After cutting the lawn I would like to do what is necessary to have a great lawn back there as I am planning on making it a nice place to actually spend time.

I am completely without knowledge of where to start, especially since my grass back there now is most certainly dead or near death. Any and all feedback is much appreciated.

Regards,

Johnette

[j995]

Regarding my above post..here are a few photos of the lawn area. Again, all help is much appreciated.

83492
83493

[Capemay Eagle]

Wait till fall. Dethatch, seed and water maybe lay down a fert 12-24-14 with the seed. You will have more success in the fall, rather than in the heat of the summer. Other options could be sod or hydro seeding. Good luck..

[Newt*]

Hi j995,

I agree with Capemay Eagle that fall is the best time to do this. I would core aerate, topdress with 1" of compost, seed and water. Here's some helpful sites on how. Oh, and don't forget to choose the same seed as you have now.
http://www.american-lawns.com/lawns/aeration.html
http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com/lawnaeration.html
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/yardandgarden/article/0,16417,482229,00.html

You can check here to see if you need to dethatch.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawnchallenge/lesson5.html

How to maintain organically. It's less expensive and better for the dog.
http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-18-142,00.html
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/chemicalfreelawn.cfm

Newt