On 15 Jul 2006 06:06:31 -0700, Big Purple Nose wrote:

I have the patience, and some money, but little time to devote
personally.

In that case, sod may be your best bet *unless* you have an irrigation
system. As a landscaper for 22 years, I refuse to do a lawn renovation
with seed unless the customer has one. Experience has shown me that 95% of
homeowners will not follow the required watering routine to insure high
germination.

That seed must be kept moist until it pops. A misting 2-3 times per day to
keep the top quarter inch of soil damp is essential. Don't think for a
second you can skimp on this, or you will be sorely disappointed. It is
*the* single most important factor in getting good germination. Penn State
did some studies a couple years back that showed that allowing the seed to
dry out even *once* before germination resulted in a 30% decrease in seeds
germinated.

After it has popped and reached mowing height, you'll need to baby it a bit
for the first year, making sure it gets a minimum of an inch of water a
week. A half inch, twice a week is probably sufficient, depending on the
conditions at your site (soil structure, wind, sun, etc).

We can go on and on about soil tests, starter fertilizer, soil amendments,
PH, etc. etc.. That's all very important, but adequate water is more
important than all of those things put together.

If you're committed to proper watering, a very thick lawn can be
established in just one seeding. After a second overseeding the next
season, it will be indistinguishable from sod.

BTW - Don't bother with those moronic companies who do nothing but drive
around in a spray truck. Proper turf care requires a lot more than simply
applying nitrogen and Trimec to a lawn several times a year. Get yourself
a qualified landscaper.

Best of luck.

--
Segovia