What to do when your lawn will not grow? Trouble growing all types of grass?

Grass is not growing properly?

What to do when your lawn will not grow?

What do you do when all types of grass will not grow in your yard?

1) Reseed Lawn? How to plant grass seeds?

Obviously one thing you can do is to reseed the lawn in areas that are having trouble growing grass. The first thing we must do is to determine why the grass is not growing in this area. It may be as simple (or hard) as trimming some trees back to allow in more sunlight. Is the PH of the soil poor? This can be determined by taking a soil sample. Here in Minnesota you can have the University of Minnesota do your testing for you. Click Here for Soil Testing Instructions and Address to mail the soil sample to the U of M.  Could you have a white grub issue caused by Japanese beetle or Sod Web Worm? Grass Disease? There could be various factors causing the issue, so if you need help with determining this issue you can contact us for help figuring it out as a Weed Man customer. 

Once you have figured out the cause you can find possible resolutions. A very common resolution would be to reseed the lawn and plant grass in the dead area. 

How to Plant Grass Seed? What Types of Seeds?

A) Clear the area of debris, weeds and other non turf material and loosen the soil. This can be done with a various tools like a rake or shovel. You may want to dig down a few inches to alleviate any soil compaction or have a fall aeration. You may also want to replace soil or balance PH in the dirt before proceeding. If the soil lacks nutrients a potting soil or starter fertilizer can do the trick.  

B) We suggest a Kentucky Blue / Perennial Rye mix in Minnesota.

C) We recommend following the directions provided on the grass seed you purchase. If patch seeding versus doing the entire lawn, you may want to put the seeds on a little denser to create the success rate needed for a thicker greener lawn. 

D) Sprinkle on a little of dried grass clippings, mulch or hay to keep the seeds in place and to limit the amount of seed eaten by rodents or birds.

E) Keep the soil moist by watering lightly but frequently in the seeded areas. You do not want to do the infrequent heavy watering like you would do for established turf. 

F) Continue by treating the grass as usual after the 2-3 weeks by watering and mowing regularly.  Have Weed Man Lawn Care fertilize and control the weeds as usual. This will help the lawn have a quick recovery and look beautiful again!

2) When seeding in not the answer consider new landscaping!

Sometimes when no types of grass will grow in an area, perhaps landscaping is a good solution. Landscaping sometimes can be an excellent option for homeowners. Would mulch around a tree that is creating too much shade and it hard to trim be a good idea? Have you always wanted a fire pit with sitting area, perhaps now is the time.

Many times near the home you find shaded areas that are not conducive to growing the grass thick and dense like we would like. A beautiful patio made with brick pavers can transform a damaged lawn into a wonderful sitting area. Water fountains and mini streams can be beautiful and relaxing, however must be winterized each year so their is a little more maintenance. 

3) What about a pool?

Summer fun in the sun! What about a pool, if you have a larger area that will not grow grass and want to make lots of family memories a pool can make a great addition to a persons recreational options. Many a kids growing up always talked about the house with the pool and all the neighborhood kids would flock to that home. Obviously there is work involved to maintain a pool however the rewards may out shadow the downside for you. 

Not being able to grow any types of grass is not always the end of the world! With a little creativity and thought you can transform your lawn into something worthy of a great backyard!

Grass is not growing properly? What to do when your lawn will not grow? Brought to you by Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities 651-456-9696  -Jess

Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities