It's been almost a year since I moved into my house and I've slowly started to work on the yard out front. The problem is my lawn is overgrown with weeds. The front lawn is not big at all, but I'd say 85-90% has weeds. I mowed the lawn yesterday, so it looks decent for now, but pre-mowing it looks terrible.

I got some weed killer from Home Depot, but I just don't know if that'll do the job, but I'll see. Anyways, my backyard has a similar problem, but the main problem is crabgrass, everywhere. I want to till the backyard and apply grass seed, so it will be real grass.

Does anyone have any experience with grass seed? I looked at doing sod, but I don't think it'd be worth the money. FWIW the area I want to do is 50'X50'.

Cliffs:
1) Anyone have a successful way to get rid of weeds?
2) Anyone successfully used grass seed before?

Backyard


Front yard

 

Moved into my house about a year ago as well and had a similar problem. Last year I got a bottle of lawn weed kill that you screw on your hose. I mowed the grass and then sprayed the whole front yard with it. I forgot the exact time but I think it took about 1-2 weeks until all of the weeds in the yard were dead. The problem I then ran into last year was that I now had large bald spots where the weeds were. I tried to put grass seed in those areas but it just never took off. This weekend I sprayed the yard with the same stuff again and once the weeds are gone I am going to work on growing the grass again.

FYI I had great success with the spray compared to my neighbor who used the seed type weed kill

Also forgot to mention you should try keeping your mower set to a higher setting. My yard looks much better since I did this. The grass seems to be healthier and it helps keep weeds out.

 

What kind of grass is that and when is the proper time to drop seed in GA? It's hard to keep little seedlings alive when its hot.

 

@spdy: Thanks I'll look into that type of weed killer.

@doopstr: I don't know, but the backyard is probably 85% crabgrass. I have heard the Fall is the best time in GA to drop grass seed in GA. I'll do some research

 

If it's mostly crabgrass I suggest you either get a selective grabgrass killer or just hit the entire area with Roundup before it goes to seed. Be aware that Roundup kills everything, not just the stuff you don't want. When you are ready to seed scalp what's left with your mower so that you get good dirt contact with the seed.

 

^Will do, thanks.

 

what type of grass do you have?
linky

Better yet, type in your zip code in the box on the right:
here

and then follow the steps. I've used these products and my lawns been pretty healthy when I don't slack off and forget to dump the stuff on it.

 

At this point it is probably too late to plant any grass seeds, so I'd wait until fall. Here in Charlotte we usually overseed around mid-October or so, so I would think the Atlanta area would be similar.

We have fescue grass here, which is likely what you have as well.

Personally, I find it easier (and sometimes cheaper since there's no waste) to have a landscaper. I don't have to mow and he worries about killing the weeds and overseeding

 

Second that.

Also, hurry up and spread some Crabgrass preventer before Summer. Another tip, mow higher than the usual setting to allow grass to crowd out weeds. Lastly, have your lawn core aerated each fall.

It might take you a couple of seasons to work it back into tip/top shape, but it becomes addicting. I actually don't mind mowing - its a cinch with self-propelled mowers. Just started trying to wean myself off of harsh chemical fertilizers and have begun using natural products such as milorganite - you can get it at Home Depot.

 

FYI I got some Scotts turf builder quick fix grass seed. I was lazy and simply racked the ground watered the dirt and threw out the seed. That was a week ago. The whole area is now full of grass seedlings The bag says its good for a temporary fix, which kinda worries me, but I hope it stays around. Might be too warm where you are for new grass, but its perfect growing weather here.

 

Same as other's - I also mow high, I also aerate the lawn every Fall and over seed entire lawn afterwards.