It's me, the self admitted lawn-care beginner again... We moved into a new (to us) home back in December, as you will see in the images, our lawn is looking pretty pitiful compared to the rest of the neighborhood.

Disclaimer: I don't need my lawn to look like a golf course, just want to get this lawn back in semi-presentable appearance.

Previous homeowners did next to nothing to maintain both indoors and outdoors of home.

Based on my "research," my plan is as follows:
- dethatch, there is A LOT of dead grass and vine-type growth throughout the yard. I started dethatching manually with a rake--in process of getting an electric dethatcher make the task feasible...
- aerate
- put down a seed starter fertilizer with a spreader
- overseed

Please feel free to punch holes in my plan, should I be going in a different direction. Wasn't sure if I should use a weed & feed type material, but figured this would be counterproductive when trying to seed the yard.

Thanks in advance for reading and your assistance!

 

I'd consult the Owner across the street (with the Yellow Jeep) and ask what s/he's doing; and consider doing that.

 

I think that ties into my comment about it not having to look like a golf course... I already obtained quotes from TruGreen / Scotts--they wanted $1100/annually (and they always try to add more services throughout the year). I'm going for more of a DIY approach.

 

So you know that the Neighbor with the Yellow Jeep uses a "commercial lawn service" because you've seen it being provided, or just speculation ?

When I had less than a half acre, I used such a service; but now with over 3 acres in lawn, I use "nature" for everything except mowing.

 

I have seen a TruGreen vehicle in front of their house, if that answers your question...

My neighbor and their yard seems to be off-topic to my original request for help.

 

Two things.

Instead of over seed, I'd start with fertilizer with weed killer since you already have something there, just need to get rid of the bad and feed the good.

Then I'd do patches of seed using chopped straw with tack, it's great stuff, holds the water and unlike plain straw it's much cleaner of weed seeds.

Good watering and take it step at a time.

I agree, the services are way too much and with a little time you can save a lot!!

 

thanks for the feedback. i'm not afraid of putting in the work, the spring time allergies are kicking my butt, but worth saving the money!

So is a Weed and Feed type product sufficient for doing what you describe?

 

That's it, could also get in a first application of crab grass prevention!

 

I suppose that's subject to debate:

With knowledge superior to anyone on this Forum, your Neighbor has the same local climatic conditions, the same lawn pests, probably the same or similar soils, and is subject to the same water restrictions as you, if any. Most valuable, s/he knows exactly what your yard currently looks like.

Neighbors are a readily available resource who will often be flattered that you'd seek their suggestions; but many people are too shy or prideful to take advantage of what's obviously right across the street . . . . and free for the asking.

No, I don't think it's off topic at all; we're often oblivious to advice that is at our fingertips. If you're offended by my suggestion, then you should report it !

 

I joined these forums for advice, not to engage with forum-trolls. That said, have a nice day.

 

My take is that the OP wants to do the work himself and that the neighbor having a yard service would not be a good source of step by step instructions.

Kind of like the so called car guy that writes checks for all the work, not much good asking him any technical questions!

 

spot on Marq1. Maybe we should say the OP is "willing" to do the work rather than "wants" to do the work!

my dethatcher should be arriving today--ready to get home and play w/ some new toys (and hopefully give my lawn some needed TLC). Thanks again for your assistance/feedback.