The Grass Doctor

What can I do to fill out my lawn?

My front lawn is very sparsely grassed. I have put down a lime treatment (to counteract the TONS of leaves that I cleared), fertilized, and I water regularly. However, the grass doesn't seem to be filling it. I could use some suggestions, and would it be worth it to have the soil analyzed?

Public Comments

1. If there are trees that are bloking sunlight then you need to get the trees timmed so that sunlight can reach the ground. You can put down sod. If enough sunlight is getting to the ground then get your soil analyzed.
2. You don't mention what type of lawn you are trying to grow. Have you looked into plugs? You mention "filling in" so this leads me to believe you have a grass that spreads by runners. You can simply do this yourself the "hair plug for lawns" way by digging up a section in a thick part, and popping it down in a thin part! Keep in mind, it still will take a season or two to see results. Don't over fertilize and just water when it needs it. Nature will take over.
3. Yes, have it tested. You can do it really cheap. There are one time little tests for like $5. Or send a sample to the local County Extension office. Sometimes its free. Sounds like you should leave the leaves down to mulch and decompose and ... Or just rake over some turf building compost. Finely screened stuff. Overseed it. Rake things together. Water, but not too much. What about the sunshine? Does it get enough sun? Is it under trees that soak up the water fast? With what you say you've done I would just rake in some more grass seed. What kind depends on where you are and how much sun you get. (Lime may not have been the thing to do...Have the soil tested.)