Not an expert, but if it was mine with that small of an area, I would tear it up with a detaching rake or a garden rake and heavily overseed it with a mixture that contains a fair amount of bluegrass. I would then try to rake it in somewhat and keep it moist until it turns green. I don’t think I would address any weed issues until the grass is established.
Fertilizing my lawn for initial spring application
- Thread starter spierceisu
- Start date
Dog urine spots are difficult to get rid of, the best way is to get a plugger, think like for moving the flags on golf courses and remove the soil and replant it somewhere else. I have tried everything, putting down new soil, replanting the area with seeds, putting agents down to neutralize the urine, it's nearly impossible to get rid of. There are a few idea on Youtube, but the best way is to let your pet go and then water the heck out of that area or get some rocks and train them to pee on them. Once the urine has burnt into the grass, it's a lot of work to get rid of it and it lasts forever at least two or three years. I have basically given up trying, and just learned to live with it, since it's mostly in the back yard.
Double check the soil first. Is there a shallow rock underneath the surface? How compacted is it compared to healthier spots?
If things seem fine then we can do a traditional spot renovate (remove weeds, fertilize if needed, seed in spring or late summer/early fall, etc.)
I put down fertilizer in the fall and now am trying to decide when to put down my spring fertilizer. Some say wait until Memorial Day but should I move more to early May with the amount of rain? I am not putting pre emergent down due to seeding a few spots in my yard.
I'm putting down weed and feed Wednesday to try to time the rain this week/weekend
I think you're good anytime right now until early May
OK experts! (And pseudo-experts...)
This is the west side of my house. About 8 feet, sloping away quickly, then directly into woods. Nothing (good) grows here. Certainly not grass. I've tried. Too much shade all the time + slope.
Right now it's a haven for moles and is loose, eroding soil with a few weeds.
What can I plant here to prevent erosion that (a) won't get too big, and (b) will be hardy but easy to maintain?
Suggestions welcome!
At what price point do you want to improve this area? How much do esthetics play into your perceived solutions? Is your main concern the erosion?
(my opinion) The erosion issue may be best addressed as a stand alone by going out that 6-8 foot and install a 2 block high retaining wall, leveling the area and not relying on vegetation to maintain the grade. From there you could "green it up" with hostas or other shade loving perennials. Weeds should not be that big of an issue in the shade. I would avoid the use of a weed barrier and river rock or wood chips to improve the looks as either will soon lose their appeal from the tree leaves from the woods, and in fact the accumulation of leaves over time will create a natural weed barrier/mulch around your greenery.
I don't know your budget or skill level/access to tools, etc., but a few you tube video's and a 12 pack for a couple buddies' help may ease the pain of installing the wall--or approach it like a true fanatic and pick up the phone, pay cash and go golfing while a pro does it for you
Trim the trees up higher if they are yours. Let the sun in bit. Then plant bluegrass, unless you dont want to mow it. Just looks like a dark damp place, if it is in Iowa. Especially in a rainy year. I cant even reach the first branch in my trees with a pole saw. Trees can be managed. That tree (not the one in the foundation) is going to be huge some day. It is aweful close to the house. Just an opinion.
Budget is low. Like, $100-200.
Skill level is equally low.
Thanks tho! The idea is great!
Less than a month removed -- how's it lookin' now??
Things are getting pretty crispy already in central Iowa. If we don't get this forecasted rain over the weekend, I'm going to have to bust out the sprinklers. Haven't had to mow in the past 10 days...
Really good. I had some seed going in places so I have been watering a bit already. But ya. It’s really dry elsewhere in my yard. Hopefully this weekends rainfall ends up being eventful.
