Hey everyone! I've got a pretty messy backyard from the previous owner—think full of weeds, bumpy terrain, and it's sloped. Luckily, it's a small space (65 x 35), so I figured I could tackle it myself. I've come up with a plan and would love to get your feedback to ensure I'm on the right track! Here's what I'm thinking for SE Michigan:
1. Start by cleaning up the yard and mowing the grass as low as possible, then use a weed killer (thinking of Spectracide) across the yard. I plan to apply it twice, with a week wait in between, to ensure everything is dead.
2. Rent a dethatcher to remove dead grass; I considered a sod cutter but feel like that might be overkill.
3. Put down topsoil to level out bumps and slopes (Should I be tilling this instead? My dad thinks that's a bad idea).
4. Finally, I'll seed with Kentucky Bluegrass and keep it well-watered, aiming for early fall.
Thanks for any advice or thoughts!
3 Answers
Before diving into your project, think about what you really want from your yard. Is it a play area for kids, a spot for gardening, or just a nice lawn? Since you'll have kids using it, a grass lawn might work, but don't feel pressured to have all grass - there are plenty of options like flower beds or even a mixed yard. Consider how much space you've got and what will work best for your family. Also, it’s worth mentioning that turf lawns can be eco-unfriendly, so think about what you really want!
Consider planting a clover/grass mix instead of traditional grass. It's a great way to make your yard more eco-friendly and requires less maintenance!
For a better outcome, really focus on leveling your yard before planting the new grass. And definitely watch out for spray drift with your weed killer—it could kill your neighbor’s plants too! Plan for any trees or plants you might want since it's easier to put those in now rather than digging up grass later.
Great points! We just want it safe for the kids to play, maybe put in a swing set later. I did think about a garden, but neither my wife nor I have the time or interest to maintain one.