I had 2 very large trees fall and then we had a 2.5 month long drought. I also haven't lived in my house for 3 months, so nothing hase been touched other than 1 mow in 3 months.

I have massive ruts in the yards (from heavy equipment), 2 very large holes from the root ball removals, all my grass is dead and weeds have taken over.

I'm a bit overwhelmed at the task before me. My backyard was like a fricking park before.

Any tips on what to prioritize this fall/winter and/or what to tackle first? I'm assuming my first task is to level with sand and top dress with topsoil?

I don't know if I should just start over with sod or see how my grass recovers next spring?

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Posted by ItzMe1972

Member since Dec 2013

11424 posts

Posted on 9/12/23 at 2:44 pm to Salmon

I love trees and would focus on getting some replacements this fall/winter.

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Posted by Shexter

Prairieville

Member since Feb 2014

16782 posts

Posted on 9/12/23 at 2:45 pm to Salmon

quote:
weeds have taken over.

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Posted by tide06

Member since Oct 2011

16680 posts

Posted on 9/12/23 at 2:48 pm to Salmon

I’d spend this fall getting my soil and irrigation right with a plan to sod when that’s set.

Having dealt with root balls decaying in the past I’d make sure that was addressed before the sod went in for sure.

Next I’d spray the weeds, level and topdress before sodding/seeding the space.

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Posted by ronk

Member since Jan 2015

6949 posts

Posted on 9/12/23 at 4:54 pm to Salmon

I'd personally level and throw down rye. I'd address the weed sod issue in the spring. Level again with mason sand.

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Posted by CatfishJohn

Member since Jun 2020

16898 posts

Posted on 9/12/23 at 5:01 pm to ronk

quote:

I'd personally level and throw down rye. I'd address the weed sod issue in the spring. Level again with mason sand.

This is what I did in my new house that had a disaster yard.

In your situation, I'd get the root balls out, scalp the yard with a mower, level if you can (but it can wait), throw down cheap annual rye grass seed for the winter, and use the winter to really think about a plan for the yard.

ETA:

Also agree getting trees in as soon as possible is great if you're positive on variety and location. Get that growth started. I wish I had done that.

This post was edited on 9/12/23 at 5:02 pm

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