What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Lawn Care Tips (1 Viewer)

offdee said:
Noted.  When I mix the soil and seed (and now also compost) should I shovel up the soil already in the ground or use new fresh soil to add on top of what's already there? 
Click to expand...
Depends on the soil. If you are in an older neighborhood you are probably fine raking it real good. If you live in a newer development, like me, they rape the land of all the top soil. I had a large section I needed to reseed due to a change in landscaping and a mixture of potting soil and compost topped with some straw got the job done and it's basically all clay. 

 
This type of year I have a love-hate relationship with my lawn.  I love that it’s best in the neighborhood, but a total pain in the ### to cut.  So thick and lush, if I only cut once a week I end up having to blow the clippings for about an hour to prevent them from clumping.  

 
Keerock said:
Yeah... I have a good sized yard that typically took 60-75 minutes with my old 21".  Plus, I like to do multiple passes, time permitting.  Finding it hard to justify the $$ though.
Click to expand...
Spend the money. That sucker is more manly. And you'll get to the beer drinkin' quicker since you won't be out there all day mowing. 

Once my existing Toro conks out that's my next mower.

 
ChiefD said:
Spend the money. That sucker is more manly. And you'll get to the beer drinkin' quicker since you won't be out there all day mowing. 

Once my existing Toro conks out that's my next mower.
Click to expand...
Measured last night and until I no longer have 3 cars in the garage, the 30" monster will not fit. :angry:  

 
TL/DR

Can anyone recommend a basics website for the DIY person? 

Have a yard that's been neglected for (likely decades). Bare spots, wear spots, dandelions galore, clover, the little purple flowers, grubs and therefore moles (haven't seen them in over a year- fingers crossed). Pretty much the anti-shuke yard. My lawn by far is the worst and I'd like to at least bring up the neighborhood average a bit.

This past year we finally got the front yard landscaping to where we want it, and while we work on the backyard I'd like to start fixing the lawn starting in the front working back. Thing is I have no clue when to do what and what tools/techniques are musts. 

Live in Cincy for reference. About a half acre in terms of lawn. Have small kids and pets so there is an added layer of difficulty in terms of what I can/can't put down in terms of fertilizers/weed killers. Also have a limited budget so resodding isn't an option. 

TIA

 
odin33 said:
TL/DR

Can anyone recommend a basics website for the DIY person? 

Have a yard that's been neglected for (likely decades). Bare spots, wear spots, dandelions galore, clover, the little purple flowers, grubs and therefore moles (haven't seen them in over a year- fingers crossed). Pretty much the anti-shuke yard. My lawn by far is the worst and I'd like to at least bring up the neighborhood average a bit.

This past year we finally got the front yard landscaping to where we want it, and while we work on the backyard I'd like to start fixing the lawn starting in the front working back. Thing is I have no clue when to do what and what tools/techniques are musts. 

Live in Cincy for reference. About a half acre in terms of lawn. Have small kids and pets so there is an added layer of difficulty in terms of what I can/can't put down in terms of fertilizers/weed killers. Also have a limited budget so resodding isn't an option. 

TIA
Click to expand...
Wait until fall and till it and reseed  

ill come over and do it for a fee

 
Last edited by a moderator:
shuke said:
odin33 said:
TL/DR

Can anyone recommend a basics website for the DIY person? 

Have a yard that's been neglected for (likely decades). Bare spots, wear spots, dandelions galore, clover, the little purple flowers, grubs and therefore moles (haven't seen them in over a year- fingers crossed). Pretty much the anti-shuke yard. My lawn by far is the worst and I'd like to at least bring up the neighborhood average a bit.

This past year we finally got the front yard landscaping to where we want it, and while we work on the backyard I'd like to start fixing the lawn starting in the front working back. Thing is I have no clue when to do what and what tools/techniques are musts. 

Live in Cincy for reference. About a half acre in terms of lawn. Have small kids and pets so there is an added layer of difficulty in terms of what I can/can't put down in terms of fertilizers/weed killers. Also have a limited budget so resodding isn't an option. 

TIA
Click to expand...
Wait until fall and till it and reseed  

ill come over and do it for a fee
Click to expand...
How far will you travel?

 
@shuke

As in rototill and start from scratch? Ugh I was afraid that might be the suggestion. 

Anything I should be doing in the meantime?

 
Ugh...had planned to aeriate and seed this weekend.  Instead spent all weekend doing anything but that.  First i decided to mow the yard/weeds and my start chord broke.  After fixing that i turned on sprinkler system to mark where the heads where and discovered that in two separate spots a line had broken.  That eliminated Saturday as i had a late start anyway due to my sons soccer games.  Sunday always starts late due to church.  Start going to home Depot with my neighbor, we were going to share the rental, when his truck died on the way.  We nursed it home, but that was out.  I figured i would just use our Durango, but got home to see my wife had left with my neighbors wife.  She returned two hours later with an above garden contraption and lots of dirt.  Naturally, i got to put it all together.  

And next weekend is out as ill be in venice.  So much for grass this year.

 
odin33 said:
@shuke

As in rototill and start from scratch? Ugh I was afraid that might be the suggestion. 

Anything I should be doing in the meantime?
Click to expand...
It won't be that bad unless you have a huge yard.  Tilling it all up will be much easier than trying to spot treat.  Your yard will look like crap until then, but it will be much better in the long run.  In the meantime, I'd just spray the weeds, then invite shuke over for beers, record the ensuing shenanigans, and post for all of us to enjoy :thumbup:  

 
The Commish said:
It won't be that bad unless you have a huge yard.  Tilling it all up will be much easier than trying to spot treat.  Your yard will look like crap until then, but it will be much better in the long run.  In the meantime, I'd just spray the weeds, then invite shuke over for beers, record the ensuing shenanigans, and post for all of us to enjoy :thumbup:  
Click to expand...
He is local..., but if my notebook is correct he's more a bourbon guy.

Probably best to till and lay fresh dirt anyway. Yard is on a pretty good slope towards the house then inverts to create a nice moat when it rains hard. I've got most of it pitched right (finally), but I've also got two maples anchoring down the slope that are showing their roots.

Better to mound around the tree, or raise the entire slope? Hell that's probably take 2 full dump trucks. 

Ok time to snap some photos. I'll try to get them loaded by this weekend.

 
Don't put a bunch of dirt around trees.  The roots are used to what's there and they won't be happy.   A few different tree guys told me that one.   

 
NutterButter said:
Don't put a bunch of dirt around trees.  The roots are used to what's there and they won't be happy.   A few different tree guys told me that one.   
Click to expand...
Best bet is to mulch it.  Allows the tree to continue getting the water it needs and isn't as unsightly as the exposed roots.

I hate mulch, but this is really the best solution.

 
Keerock said:
Best bet is to mulch it.  Allows the tree to continue getting the water it needs and isn't as unsightly as the exposed roots.

I hate mulch, but this is really the best solution.
Click to expand...
That's what I do, but I love mulch;  a thick green lawn and fresh mulch is heavenly.   

 
Speaking of mulching trees, do you guys re-edge every year, to get rid of that grass that has crept into the mulch ring?  I do, but this year on tow of my trees, I was hitting roots, even only putting the spade maybe 3-4 inches deep.  These aren't very mature trees, but at what point are you supposed to stop edging/mulching?

 
shuke said:
Speaking of mulching trees, do you guys re-edge every year, to get rid of that grass that has crept into the mulch ring?  I do, but this year on tow of my trees, I was hitting roots, even only putting the spade maybe 3-4 inches deep.  These aren't very mature trees, but at what point are you supposed to stop edging/mulching?
Click to expand...
I do it every year.  Hate it, but do it.

 
shuke said:
Speaking of mulching trees, do you guys re-edge every year, to get rid of that grass that has crept into the mulch ring?  I do, but this year on tow of my trees, I was hitting roots, even only putting the spade maybe 3-4 inches deep.  These aren't very mature trees, but at what point are you supposed to stop edging/mulching?
Click to expand...
I can't imagine that you really need to do it after a couple of years.   I do it every year b/c i like the way it looks and I really enjoy landscaping.   

 
NutterButter said:
I can't imagine that you really need to do it after a couple of years.   I do it every year b/c i like the way it looks and I really enjoy landscaping.   
Click to expand...
Same here. But what if I’m hitting sizeable roots?

btw, I searched for info on this and found a YouTube video where the landscape guy said to trim the surface roots that grow up into the mulch.  Didn’t know that. 

 
shuke said:
Speaking of mulching trees, do you guys re-edge every year, to get rid of that grass that has crept into the mulch ring?  I do, but this year on tow of my trees, I was hitting roots, even only putting the spade maybe 3-4 inches deep.  These aren't very mature trees, but at what point are you supposed to stop edging/mulching?
Click to expand...
Do you use a weed wacker? If so flip it  upside down- so the throttle is now on top and the trimmer head is vertical - and slowly trim and you will keep the edge looking new. Wear glasses cause it kicks up a lot. 

 
ffjunk said:
Do you use a weed wacker? If so flip it  upside down- so the throttle is now on top and the trimmer head is vertical - and slowly trim and you will keep the edge looking new. Wear glasses cause it kicks up a lot. 
Click to expand...
Yes I do that after every mow.  But still find the need to re-edge every year or two

 
shuke said:
Same here. But what if I’m hitting sizeable roots?

btw, I searched for info on this and found a YouTube video where the landscape guy said to trim the surface roots that grow up into the mulch.  Didn’t know that. 
Click to expand...
I'd definitely get a few opinions on that.  Last thing you want to do his kill some good trees.  

 
Looking for some advice here. Live in Wisconsin. Just moved into a new house, no lawn yet. Scheduled to get grass in no less than 60 days. Currently yard is covered in thistles. Lots of little kids running around all the time and wondering what the best way to control this is. 

1) Deal with it til grass is down

2) Spot Spray weedkiller

3) Spray weed killer over entire yard?

4) Pull as they come up?

5) Mow over weeds and dirt and rocks to keep low

I don’t want to cover the area in weed killer if that’s going to inhibit the grass when we’re ready to plant. Thoughts and advice are appreciated. Thanks. 

 
what's the best stand-up dandelion/weed puller?

when we moved in last summer... no dandelions.  spring comes around.... dandelions everywhere :hot:

 
mr. furley said:
what's the best stand-up dandelion/weed puller?

when we moved in last summer... no dandelions.  spring comes around.... dandelions everywhere :hot:
Click to expand...
So, Ferti-Lome makes a product just for broadleaf weed control and they make one that does NOT contain fertilizer if you're concerned about over fertilizing.  I put down the normal Scott's type bags of lawn treatments but I find this specific product by this company really works well in between treatments.  And to echo Shuke I spot treat with a spray product every now and then.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Researching dense and fast growing bushes with some height to act as a makeshift fence to not have to see into my white trash neighbor's crappy yard and barking dogs (anytime the dogs see us they start going nuts...hoping reducing their visibility to us helps).   

Found one that was promising but see that's it's recommended for growing zones 6 and above....I live in a zone 5.   I assume that would then be a no go for me?   I'm looking for something that looks nice and leafy and not those ugly boxwood bushes

It's called Skip Laurel

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Our neighbors planted at arbor vitae (sp?).  Seems if you water them a lot they grow huge fast.  

 
shuke said:
Our neighbors planted at arbor vitae (sp?).  Seems if you water them a lot they grow huge fast.  
Click to expand...
yeah, just personally not a fan of any of these evergreen looking things (boxwoods, arbor vitae, etc).  Wanting/hoping for something that is more leafy but thick and dense.

 
offdee said:
Researching dense and fast growing bushes with some height to act as a makeshift fence to not have to see into my white trash neighbor's crappy yard and barking dogs (anytime the dogs see us they start going nuts...hoping reducing their visibility to us helps).   

Found one that was promising but see that's it's recommended for growing zones 6 and above....I live in a zone 5.   I assume that would then be a no go for me?   I'm looking for something that looks nice and leafy and not those ugly boxwood bushes

It's called Skip Laurel
Click to expand...
Check Forsythia.  Grows really fast.  Very dense.  Yellow flowers in the spring, thick green leaves in summer.  Deciduous, but thick enough to block views after that.

 
offdee said:
yeah, just personally not a fan of any of these evergreen looking things (boxwoods, arbor vitae, etc).  Wanting/hoping for something that is more leafy but thick and dense.
Click to expand...
Is there a viburnum species that grows in your area?  We have them and they grow REALLY fast and get REALLY thick.

 
The Commish said:
Is there a viburnum species that grows in your area?  We have them and they grow REALLY fast and get REALLY thick.
Click to expand...
I have viburnums between my pool cage and fence.  They were taller than the pool cage, and made it difficult to get back there.  I ended up trimming them into trees.  They are pretty cool now.  I trim the tops down to about 8ft once or twice a year, but they grow to almost 15ft pretty qucikly.  It's like a tunnel now, underneath I planted ferns by the fence, and St Augustine is growing on the pathway.  I recently hung orchids on the intertwined trunks.

 
Any way of getting rid of clover without something that'll harm wildlife? I have a couple of rabbits that hang around in the morning and evening munching the stuff which is fine with me. Except there's more than they can munch and all those white clover flowers look just like a bunch of white middle fingers sticking up at me. I figure there must be something that just tastes crappy to them and kills off the stupid clover and not the bunnies

 
offdee said:
Researching dense and fast growing bushes with some height to act as a makeshift fence to not have to see into my white trash neighbor's crappy yard and barking dogs (anytime the dogs see us they start going nuts...hoping reducing their visibility to us helps).   

Found one that was promising but see that's it's recommended for growing zones 6 and above....I live in a zone 5.   I assume that would then be a no go for me?   I'm looking for something that looks nice and leafy and not those ugly boxwood bushes

It's called Skip Laurel
Click to expand...
we planted a Russian sage bush some years back

blooms purple flowers, very aromatic, attracts tons of bees. grows amazingly quickly.

 
simsarge said:
Any way of getting rid of clover without something that'll harm wildlife? I have a couple of rabbits that hang around in the morning and evening munching the stuff which is fine with me. Except there's more than they can munch and all those white clover flowers look just like a bunch of white middle fingers sticking up at me. I figure there must be something that just tastes crappy to them and kills off the stupid clover and not the bunnies
Click to expand...
goats

 
offdee said:
Good info here, thanks!  At first quick research these look very promising and may be just what I'm looking for!

Posting link below for me to reference later, lots of good info in it about viburnums..

https://www.finegardening.com/article/viburnums-are-versatile-shrubs
Click to expand...
It's absurd how fast they grow down here in Florida.  We had some cut back after they were left to grow for 15ish years unkept.  That was about 2 months ago and they've grown a foot - 18 inches....I need to cut them already.  Hopefully it works out :thumbup:  

 
I had 4 pallet sized squares of dirt i want to be grass.  A couple weeks ago i laid seed, but realizing I wish I would've just laid sod and have been done with it.  My question is, any harm in laying sod over areas that were seeded but only showing very sparse and patchy areas of grass presently?  Will the ungrown seeds in the dirt hurt the sod eventually, or could it actually help for more eventual fullness?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

-fish-
Anyone install artificial grass at your house?
Replies
34
Views
1K
Chemical X
Chemical X
B Maverick
Router Suggestions
Replies
4
Views
150
gianmarco
gianmarco
Joe Bryant
Big Idea And A Brand New Footballguys Tool - The Assistant Coach
Replies
4
Views
711
Mr.Pack
Mr.Pack

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top