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#1
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Bringing a lawn back from the dead
Thanks, all, for the advice.
I think I am going to pass on the resodding for now. Not yet entirely sure whether I go with the nuke and replant, or nourish what's there with overseeding. I think I'll speak to the lawn rep about what the odds are of nourishing and building on what's there - although there doesn't seem to be much there. I have the patience, and some money, but little time to devote personally. What personal time I do have available is being used weeding and feeding the new hedges, shrubs and flowers. One problem is the lawn care company which looked at things (Nutrilawn) is not a landscaping company. They'll kill weeds and add fertilzer, do core aeration, etc. etc., but they don't do seeding or sodding so I'll have to check out a landscaper interested in a small job. |
#2
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Bringing a lawn back from the dead
"Big Purple Nose" wrote in message oups.com... Thanks, all, for the advice. I think I am going to pass on the resodding for now. Not yet entirely sure whether I go with the nuke and replant, or nourish what's there with overseeding. I think I'll speak to the lawn rep about what the odds are of nourishing and building on what's there - although there doesn't seem to be much there. I have the patience, and some money, but little time to devote personally. What personal time I do have available is being used weeding and feeding the new hedges, shrubs and flowers. One problem is the lawn care company which looked at things (Nutrilawn) is not a landscaping company. They'll kill weeds and add fertilzer, do core aeration, etc. etc., but they don't do seeding or sodding so I'll have to check out a landscaper interested in a small job. Look up the word "overseeding" via Google. That (done at the right times of year) and fertilization are two things you may as well begin with, since they're the cheapest. Homeowners and golf courses are the two largest sources of chemical pollution on this continent. If you adjust your expectations a bit, learn to be patient, and do just a little work, you *can* have a decent lawn. Not perfect, but that's a pointless goal anyway. |
#3
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Bringing a lawn back from the dead
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 |
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