oh boy do i need help

loriacoates – posted 12 September 2004 15:56

Here’s my sob story…I live in Army Housing and have to “clear” unexpectedly in 2 weeks (due to a mold problem in the air ducts). I have had a 15 ft in diameter aboce ground pool all summer long in the back yard. U’ve taken it down….tilled …fertilized and seeded the large bare area but so far…nothing. Also i have a heavily shaded area which seems to grow grass when the weather turns cooler and it dies during the summer…i mean REALLY dies…not just turns brown…its GONE. Housing is going to charge me 5.25 per square yard of brown spots in the yard which i have figured on the high side to be roughly 160-170.00. CAn i get these areas in shape in 2 weeks without buying sod?? If I buy sod by the time I have it delivered the cost will be almost equal to the charge from housing sooooo…does anyone think my seeding will really work??? CAn it be done or am I just hoping against all odds here?? My hubby is in Iraq and its just me and 3 kids trying to get this all done. Any advice will be SOOOO greatly appreciated! Thank YOU!!!!

cohiba – posted 12 September 2004 18:38

Oh boy!

I would plant ryegrass (perennial or annual), water it lightly 2-3 times per day and hope its not too hot where you are for it to germinate. Are you in the in cool season or warm season, turf zones? Alot of times you can get seed down and cover it with straw and they will consider that to be covered ground (Not Bare).

Good Luck and Take Care…………

PS: Thank your husband for the terrific work he is doing for us over there in Iraq. I know most don’t support the war, but most all support our troops! I know I do.

God Bless…………..

br549 – posted 12 September 2004 20:07

Agreed.Rye is answer.It can be nice in that time frame if you hurry.Ditto on thanks to Armed Forces.Thank them for me.

loriacoates – posted 12 September 2004 20:48

I think I remember seeing Rye Grass on the seed packaging I bought…anyway I bought Qwik Turf or something like that…it was something for covering bare areas. I’m in Fort Hood, Texas. Home of the 1st Cav Division and I will certainly pass along your well wishes! Thank you!!! ps….too hot to germinate??? ohhh that doesn’t sound too good for me!

in**@pa**********.com – posted 14 September 2004 17:30

Your main problem will be getting seed to germinate that quickly if you have heavy shade. IF you can prune any shade trees lightly to allow more day light that will help. Also, watering should be stepped up to help the damaged areas recover if that is possible and to combat high temperatures.

There are several shade tolerant seed mixes out there as well–try creeping red fescue as well as the Perennial Ryegrass.A light topdressing like Kellogg’s Topper will be better than straw as a seed cover, too, as it will retain moisture helping the seeds stay mouist adn viable until they sprout!Good luck on the lawn!

loriacoates – posted 14 September 2004 19:12

Guess What????

I have a nice looking Chia Pet growing in my back yard!!! Yippeeeeee! Its only been 3 days since I started over and did it right. There are some areas that aren’t looking promising yet but I have my fingers crossed. Thanks to everyone who has replied for your help!

br549 – posted 16 September 2004 17:50

Great.Keep moist,but do not drown.

loriacoates – posted 18 September 2004 11:37

Hmmmmmmm….I have a fairly good portion of the bare spot covered now but there are some areas that are very sparse with new growth (pretty much still bare). These areas are interspersed within areas with really good growth. How do I reseed these areas without damaging the new vigorous growth? Should I just try to till these small areas? Will it harm the sparse growth or does that even matter? Should I just start over in these areas? I think the problem is that about 1/3 of an area of the large bare spot has a small amount of sand in the soil. I’ve mixed this with alot of topsoil and fertilized but it seems like the one area where the growth is sparse is over this sandy spot. So i guess i have 2 questions…1. how should i treat this sandy area where the growth remains sparse?2. What should I do with the small spots that lie in small patches within the new vigorous growth?

Any any advice would be soo appreciated! The clock is ticking!!! I have 1 week left and so far I know I have saved myself a 100.00!! Thanks again!!

loriacoates – posted 28 September 2004 23:39

GUESS WHAT!!!! GUESS GUESS GUESS!!!

I am soooooooooooooooo happy. I cleared our quarters today and NO…NONE…NADA defiencies on the lawn!! After I got the pool area covered with the prettiest grass I was brave enought to tackle the large bare area under a tree on a very very shady side of the house….it actually GREW!!

Thanks for all the advice! Ya’ll saved me about 150 bucks!!! YIPPEEEEE and Hubby is coming home for 2 weeks very very soon!! I am soooo happy. Thanks everyone!!