Lawn Care

[stiffdogg06]

Hey guys,

Went down to my moms house this week and I saw a few pretty dead spots of grass in the front lawn.

So I am here to ask, what is the best grass grower, AND weed/bug killer you guys use on your own lawn?

Thanks guys,

- Andy

[Danase]

Well, i think it really depends on how you care for it and the condition of the soil and everything. If there are dead spots I'd get rid of the dead grass, put in some top soil and just plant some seed per the seed directions. I've had expensive seed never take and cheap seed grow great, and visa versa. I've also used those mulch, green cotton looking stuff, with good and bad success.

You usually don't want to use a weed and bug killer on new grass or if you are trying to grow grass. Again, I've used a lot and have had various success rates. I've used Weed and Feed spray on weed killer with good success and it's easy to use. This year I think we are going to try a 4 step program though.

[RaskyR1]

I'd agree with Danase.

Remove the dead, add some top soil, use the correct seed for sun or shade, and water, water, water!

[bert31]

If you do decide to put some seed down, you may want to do it as soon as possible to give the roots a chance to spread into the ground so they stand a chance with the summer sun. I have seen seed spread too late in the spring and the sun just scorch it.

[VroomVroom]

I have nothing of real value to add here, but I hope you'll appreciate my thoughts as I read this thread...

Whenever I'm asked about detailing, I use lawn care (and landscaping in general) as the perfect analogy. If you want your vehicle to look great, you have two options. Dig in yourself...basically, make sure you're interested in the effort and commitment involved, and you'll find detailing to be enjoyable and perhaps therapeutic. If not, you'll hate it and shouldn't get started. Write a check and be happy.

As for my lawn...I want it to look great. And I write a check.

[Mr. Clean]

I would first ask, are you certain the grass is dead, or is it still dormant. Even down here in Texas all of my lawn is not green. My cool weather grasses are green and growing, but my warmer weather grasses (St. Augustine, etc.) is still dormant.

Originally Posted by Danase

Well, i think it really depends on how you care for it and the condition of the soil and everything. If there are dead spots I'd get rid of the dead grass, put in some top soil and just plant some seed per the seed directions. I've had expensive seed never take and cheap seed grow great, and visa versa. I've also used those mulch, green cotton looking stuff, with good and bad success.

You usually don't want to use a weed and bug killer on new grass or if you are trying to grow grass. Again, I've used a lot and have had various success rates. I've used Weed and Feed spray on weed killer with good success and it's easy to use. This year I think we are going to try a 4 step program though.

I agree with Danase on the soil condition (life) is really the driving factor for all plant growth. Feed the soil, not the plant. Feeding the plant is the soil's job.

I would not add top soil unless it is native soil from your specific area. Add compost. If you are overseeding pay attention to the extended ambient temps. You generally need heat and a constant level of moisture for seed germination.

You absolutely don't want to plant seed and then use a weed & feed. You're working against yourself. And generally weed & feeds are not a great idea. Instead feed the soil which will encourage vigorous (but not excessive) root growth. Synthetic fertilizers have too much salt. Feed your soil salt and it will react the same way your body does with too much salt. Yeah, you need more water, well so will your lawn.

[oski83]

Agree about warmer seeds/grass being dormant....a few weeks ago I prepped my yard for the spring. While cleaning I noticed what I thought to be dead grass. Now with the tons of rain and warmer days, it seems to have come back to life.

I only use Scotts products which Ive found to have better results with.

This year I started by treating the lawn for spring bugs, removing old weeds, raking and trimming shrubs, trees, etc....about a week later and after alot of rain, applied Scotts Starter to lawn, added new Scotts seeds(which are supposed to retain more water in them) sparingly per directions and treated spot areas with new seed, and covered with Scotts Patchmaster. So far, after 2 weeks, grass is greener, new seeds are taking, and yard is filling in nicely.

I was lucky enough to have bumped into a Scott's rep while at Lowes who was kind to give me some pointers.

Check around their site....useful info Good luck!

[Mr. Clean]

Originally Posted by oski83

Agree about warmer seeds/grass being dormant....a few weeks ago I prepped my yard for the spring. While cleaning I noticed what I thought to be dead grass. Now with the tons of rain and warmer days, it seems to have come back to life.

I only use Scotts products which Ive found to have better results with.

This year I started by treating the lawn for spring bugs, removing old weeds, raking and trimming shrubs, trees, etc....about a week later and after alot of rain, applied Scotts Starter to lawn, added new Scotts seeds(which are supposed to retain more water in them) sparingly per directions and treated spot areas with new seed, and covered with Scotts Patchmaster. So far, after 2 weeks, grass is greener, new seeds are taking, and yard is filling in nicely.

I was lucky enough to have bumped into a Scott's rep while at Lowes who was kind to give me some pointers.

Check around their site....useful info Good luck!

Just a caution for Scott's users, specifically their Bonus S product. Check to see if Atrazine is the herbicide used. Put the bag down and run, don't walk, the other way.

[themightytimmah]

Sod in the dead spots - it's not as expensive as you might think, and it beats the heck out of seeding.

For a weed and feed type product, I always go to the Lesco guy down the street and buy the pro stuff. It's cheaper than Scott's and a better product IMHO.

[stiffdogg06]

Well the grass is gone, they are basically dirt spots. I will lay some seed and see if we get any improvement.

thanks guys

[Danase]

I just laid a bunch of seed in my yard this weekend. I'll keep you posted. Water twice a day in the morning and late evening if you can.

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by oski83

I was lucky enough to have bumped into a Scott's rep while at Lowes who was kind to give me some pointers.

Check around their site....useful info Good luck!

Are you kidding? That Scotts site is terrible.