The Grass Doctor

What is the best way to get rid of these weeds and plant grass in northeast Wisconsin?

My backyard at my rental property is overgrown with weeds. I have lived here 6 yrs now & consider it my own so I want an inexpensive way to get rid of these weeds and plants grass. I've already tried the Scotts weed killer plus fertilizer. It only kills current weeds and wasn't tough enough for my situation. There are a lot of low areas and divits that I was planning on filling in and seeding this fall that are also full of weeds. What is the best way to go about planting the grass? I know I can't just put top soil over the weeds and seed but how thourough do I need to be at pulling them out before I put soil and seed down? Also, what is the best type of grass for my area? I was told a type of shade grass is reptty sure to grow anywhere. Any advice on this lawn would be great!

Public Comments

1. What I would do is just rototiller up the whole thing. When I get done tilling it is nice and smooth and ready for grass. Wisconsin is a bit out of my range though. You probably wouldn't want to pay for the gas for me to come there. Maybe there is a rental place for rototillers there or look on the bulletin boards in nurseries for someone that can do this for you.
2. You can't just rototill the weeds into the ground or they will just come right back up. Spray everything with round up. You may have to do repeat applications to get everything. Then you can rototill if you choose to while mixing top soil into the existing dirt Grasses that will grow in your area are Ryegrass, Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. Fescue is shade tolerant but bluegrass makes a beautiful yard when taken care of. If you have a lot of shade in your yard you can't plant Bluegrass because it needs full sun but if there isn't a lot of shade is will do fine.
3. Personally I would kill the entire area with Scotts Round up ...I know it will look nasty for this summer, but it would be worth it after you plant new grass seed of a good quality.
4. This article should help. It give both an organic and a chemical method of eliminating the weeds. http://freeplants.com/free-article-weed-control-facts.htm This article shows how to renovate a lawn and choose the best grass seed: http://freeplants.com/lawnrenov.htm