Hello Everyone,

We recently bought a home and of course like any home there are
projects and chores to do.
One such project I seek to do this fall is my front yard. It has a
large tree in front(think its a fruitless mulberry)and some crepe
myrtles and I think grape vines.
The grass in front is almost none existent and so here is what I plan
on doing.
1. tear away all the grape vines as they have over grown over the
crepe myrtles, the house and actually managed to grow unto the large
tree. The vines actually look sickly.
2. cut back the myrtles because a, they seem way over grown and are
touching our roof, b) they seem to need it.
3. Cut back the branches damaged by the worm webs , feed fertilizer to
the tree and put herbicide to kill off the webs and prevent return of
them next spring. Any suggestions on the type of Herbicide to use?
4. Turn over the soil in the front yard and plant some kind of ground
cover.
5. Before planting some kind of ground cover I want to improve the
soil conditions. What should I do to prepare for my spring planting of
ground cover? Compost? if so what kind? Top soil?
6. If I turn over the soil will I need to aerate the soil too?
7. What type of ground cover should I use? I had read about clover as
it is less needy of water, airation and cutting. However, it was not
clear in this article if it would do well under shady conditions
because of the tree.

I know this is a lot , but I figure I have fall and winter to do this.
Thanks everyone,
Anita