Whats wrong with my lawn

[scubakerny]

I planted grass seed in mid-srping of this year. The tall fescue started coming in pretty good, the all of a sudden is seems to be dying. I did both the front and backyards. The front starting turning but now it is coming in better, The back on the other hand is not really changing. I know we had a hard summer in southern california but i think it is more than just the weather.

[RAlmaroad]

Do you know where you purchased the seed? Over my lifetime, I've seen from 99% germination from good seed and cheap seed from the likes of Val-Mart. Generally a fairly reputable company will have fresh seed. Old seed will not germinate. Now I'm not sure what you planted but so much of the unreputable places sell seed that is almost 50% annual rye which is cheap cheap cheap. It sprouts in a few days, lives for a while and when the sun gets closer to the earth the ultra-violet rays cook the rye. It turns brown, drys out and dyes. Tall fescue does not do that--but it can if not watered. Your stand looks like there was some fescue in it but a lot of it may have been the rye. I'm not sure, but the above scenario plays out all of the time. Re-seed with a quality seed from a trusted place, cover it lightly, keep it watered for at least two-three weeks after it sprouts and at least 1-2 times a week making sure there is at least an inch (1.0") per week of moisture. Get it established and begin with a light fertilize. If California is warm, you might still have time to re-seed....I'd leave that to one of your extension agents to advise you since I don't know your climate. Then there is fungus, nematodes, drought, grubs, etc, to consider. In TN, we sow fescue in the snow--truth.

[scubakerny]

I got the seed from a reputable landscaper. Thanks for your help

[Stevegotcrabgrass]

I think I see dog poo. The ground looks very compacted too but it's just a picture.

[scubakerny]

Both of those are correct.
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[mandmrossi]

I planted grass seed in mid-srping of this year. The tall fescue started coming in pretty good, the all of a sudden is seems to be dying. I did both the front and backyards. The front starting turning but now it is coming in better, The back on the other hand is not really changing. I know we had a hard summer in southern california but i think it is more than just the weather.

Think from what I see is that the soil looks pretty comapct and the roots although you had some growth has died since the roots were very shallow.

Just my opinion based upon what I am seeing.

[Ax Mcgee]

Whats not wrong with it you should be askin!
I see dog mess, rocks, brown grass. WAAAAY too many shadows. that area is not getting enough SL! You gotta get them shadows outta there, won't nuthing grow in them dark spots! The dog mess! Regardless of what your ol'pappy used to say that stuff just aint good for the lawn, your shoes or snaks(trust me)! That ground looks really compacted, you all been holdin wrasslin matches in that spot, you shoudl try to change it up a bit and move across the yard some. Body slammin you 300lbs brother-in-law each week in the same spot aint good for the grass. Speakin of your bro in law, get his big a** out there to help with that dead spot. He probably been sneekin out there while you weren't look and relieving his bladder in the same spot each night.

I hope these don't offened, i'm just tryin to offer a little advice. It's what you came here for right!
I'M JUST SAYIN!

[Alan0354]

I thought you have to first till the land, add soil mix for grass, level and then spread the seed!!!!

You just put seed on the ground and that's it??!!!

[Stevegotcrabgrass]

This is what I would do. First get rid of what ever is causing a shadow. next clean the yard of debris (i.e. dog poo, rocks, sticks, all other garbage). I would then do a good raking to clean the area up. I would next water the lawn lightly then i would aerate it using a core aerator. When aerating I would go in probably 4 different directions and make sure you are doing a thourough job. If you have the time to get your soil tested, I would as during/after aerating is a good time to add nutriets into your lawn. I would next overseed after aerating. I would seed at a rate higher than overseeding rates also but less than new lawn rates. In three weeks I would again seed but this time with a slit seeder. Some may say my ideas are over kill or seeding after aerating doesn't work. Well it works damn good for me and I just go with my experiences. When you do your second seeding with the slit seeder I would at that point add some starter fert. Keep the grass watered and you should be okay.