Lawn care advice

[Regulator75]

We are looking to finish our backyard (new home) this spring / summer. I know that sodding is quick but costs a heck of a lot more. Has anyone successfully seeded a brand new lawn? How did it turn out? Our backyard is fricken huge, any ideas guys and gals?

Or should I just put some astro turf down?

[Cheese]

Well you could pull on your Italian heritage and simply pour concrete! LOL

Seeding is good...IF you have the time and ability to manage it. You would have to ensure the yard is prepared properly, then once the seed is laid, you should provide cover over the entire area so the birds dont get at the seeds. Once thats done you would have to ensure that you keepo it well watered until the seeds germinate.

Sod is easy...prepare the soil, add some mild fertilizer and drop the sod in place. Lawn is done in a day.

[CrzyCanuck]

I've done a 10 by 10 patch and it worked great. I did cover the area with peat moss after seeding, and kept it very wet. It took over a month of constant attention, but after that it looked perfect.

[V]

I would use sod if I was in your position. Like Cheese says, it's easy. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to rake the dirt level and then start dropping the sod down. Any idiot can cut around the corners, too. It's not like you're cutting carpet or anything.

[Gugstanley]

I always prefer to seed. It isn't hard and cost a lot less. If you have a sprinkling system that is the easiest way to keep the seed wet. Have it come on multiple times a day for a very short period of time. Someone mentioned peat moss and that is important also to speed the growth.

[@theCBE]

Go for the astro turf.. while your at it go all out and add a few holes and you could have a practice putting green... and it your back yard is really as big as you say you can add in some longer turf and you can practice pitching too !!

[Regulator75]

I think I might end up seeding, Im not in a huge rush to get a lawn going. Does anyone know any good places to pick up seeds? Or is this a regular thing they would carry at Golden Acre / Sunnyside etc... Is one brand just like the other?

I have no clue about this stuff.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally posted by Regulator75@Apr 12 2005, 01:27 PM
I think I might end up seeding, Im not in a huge rush to get a lawn going. Does anyone know any good places to pick up seeds? Or is this a regular thing they would carry at Golden Acre / Sunnyside etc... Is one brand just like the other?

I have no clue about this stuff.

You should probably go to your public liberry then. They've got dozens of books on this kind of thing. If you are going to go through all the hassle you don't want to find out you picked a grass that only grows in the Andes or some such thing.

[Tron_fdc]

You can buy seed anywhere. You'll need a spreader as well, unless you intend on hand bombing it all over your yard (not recommended). It'll take a few years to grow in well, and when I seeded in the past I kept adding seed twice a year to cover up the bare spots. It's not that hard as long as you stay off it and keep it watered.

More detailed instructions including tilling and seed selections are

here.

I went with Kentucky Bluegrass, but only because it was the same type they use on golf courses. I think it's supposed to be more durable as well??