The Grass Doctor

What type of grass seed should i use on my lawn and how do i make it better?

My lawn is completely out in the open with very small shade areas beneath the 4 trees. It's about 4 acres total and I live in Central New Jersey. Right now my grass is about 3 1/2 inches tall, really not that green, and scratchy. There are some spots where the grass is nice and thick and others where it is is just not growing. I just need some suggestions on what i can do to help me get a thicker fuller lawn that is a little better looking than the kind i have now.

Public Comments

1. I'd start you off with a soil test... my guess is that you probably need at least nitrogen, and maybe lime, and probably aeration. I'd also send you out to get the mower blade sharpened and figure out what grasses are in your lawn (probably Kentucky Bluegrass and various fescues) and what height you should be mowing at. Lawns boil down to: 1) correct species for the area 2) correct mowing 3) mower maintenance 4) making sure the soil doesn't compact 5) watering as needed or allowing the lawn to go properly dormant 6) fertilization and lime needs 7) taking care of diseases and insect problems If you're not a big fan of doing lawn care (and that's ok -- it's not a moral failing by any means!) you may want to start exploring what grass species and cultivars are low maintenance in your area. For instance, you might want to think about "endophyte enhanced" fescues, which are naturally more disease and insect resistant. Or you may want to switch at least some of your lawn into something requiring minimal maintenance, such as native shrubs -- which are, in the long term, much better. Some helps for you: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/services.as (the $15 "level 1 test" should tell you all you really need) http://njaes.rutgers.edu/garden/faq.asp?c=1 http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/endophyte.html http://dspace-local.library.cornell.edu/web_archive/explore.cornell.edu/scenec320.html?scene=Home%20Gardening&stop=HG%20-%20Lawn%20Care%20Calendar&view=HG%20-%20Lawn%20Care%20Calendar http://dspace-local.library.cornell.edu/web_archive/explore.cornell.edu/scene7de0.html?scene=home%20gardening&stop=HG%20%2D%20Lawn%20Care%20Library&view=HG%20%2D%20Lawn%20Care%20Library%20%2D%20Growth
2. Hi: I am a landscaper and designer. This time of year is not a good time to put down seed. Keep it watered throughout the summer. In the fall, rent an aerator from a rental place. This machine will make tiny holes in your lawn. Go over the entire lawn with it. Apply seed and lay down some hay around the seeded area. Get on a good watering schedule. You can also fertilize in the fall. I will link you to the outdoor section of my website. There are two different pages on sod versus seed, and one of warm turf seed. (includes two cooler season grasses) I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. There are many articles, tips, and techniques that could help you also. Hope this helps and have a great day!! Kimberly http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Outdoor.html http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html
3. I like Kentucky Bluegrass, but your hardware store should have a high-quality mix of grasses that work best in your area. For a good laugh, and some good advice on putting in a new lawn, Check out "Going Green: The Lawn" on http://midwestmoms.blogspot.com It's funny... but it's also good advice. Good luck!