I can't grow grass - Ask Extension
Our front yard is awful! Patches of grass and ants everywhere! We've tried grass seed, fertilizer and a ton of water and nothing seems to help. What a...
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I can't grow grass #866883
Asked May 03, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT
Our front yard is awful! Patches of grass and ants everywhere! We've tried grass seed, fertilizer and a ton of water and nothing seems to help. What are we missing for getting grass to grow? And how can we get rid of all the ants?
Muskegon County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
FYI – I have no clear and close-up images of the areas of the lawn you are talking about so this is the best answer I can provide.
To improve your lawn’s grass growth and manage ant infestations in Michigan, here are some expert tips from MSU Extension:
For Growing Grass:
Timing: The best time to seed your lawn in Michigan is from August 15 to September 15.
Soil Test: Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient needs and pH balance.
Check out this link:
https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started/
Site Preparation: Remove large rocks and debris, incorporate organic matter, and ensure proper soil conditions.
Seeding: Choose the right turfgrass species for your area and seed the site.
Watering: Keep the topsoil moist without creating puddles.
Mulching: Use straw mulch to conserve moisture and encourage growth.
Maintenance: Mow the area after establishment and apply weed control as needed.
Fertilization: Apply fertilizer to match the lawn standards you wish to maintain. This is the results of your soil test, so you know what the correct type of fertilizer and how much to use.
Regular Seeding: Apply grass seed regularly to keep the grass thick and robust.
The above information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/establishing_a_new_lawn_using_seed_e2910
For Ant Control:
Identify the Ants: Knowing the species is crucial as it determines their nesting sites, food preferences, and treatment methods.
Treat the Nest: The most effective way to get rid of ants is to find and treat the nest, as queens must be killed to eliminate a colony.
Baiting: Use fresh bait when ants are actively looking for food, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
Chemical Treatments: If necessary, spot-treat anthills with an insecticide, following the label instructions carefully.
Here are some other resources concerning ants on the home lawn at the below links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/turfgrass-ant
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants
https://extension.psu.edu/ants-in-home-lawns
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/ants-in-lawns
Remember to always follow the safety guidelines when using any chemical treatments and consider consulting with a local lawn care specialist for personalized advice. Maintaining a healthy lawn and managing pests can be challenging, but with consistent care and the right techniques, you can achieve a lush, green lawn and an ant-free environment.
I hope this helps!
FYI – I have no clear and close-up images of the areas of the lawn you are talking about so this is the best answer I can provide.
To improve your lawn’s grass growth and manage ant infestations in Michigan, here are some expert tips from MSU Extension:
For Growing Grass:
Timing: The best time to seed your lawn in Michigan is from August 15 to September 15.
Soil Test: Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient needs and pH balance.
Check out this link:
https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started/
Site Preparation: Remove large rocks and debris, incorporate organic matter, and ensure proper soil conditions.
Seeding: Choose the right turfgrass species for your area and seed the site.
Watering: Keep the topsoil moist without creating puddles.
Mulching: Use straw mulch to conserve moisture and encourage growth.
Maintenance: Mow the area after establishment and apply weed control as needed.
Fertilization: Apply fertilizer to match the lawn standards you wish to maintain. This is the results of your soil test, so you know what the correct type of fertilizer and how much to use.
Regular Seeding: Apply grass seed regularly to keep the grass thick and robust.
The above information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/establishing_a_new_lawn_using_seed_e2910
For Ant Control:
Identify the Ants: Knowing the species is crucial as it determines their nesting sites, food preferences, and treatment methods.
Treat the Nest: The most effective way to get rid of ants is to find and treat the nest, as queens must be killed to eliminate a colony.
Baiting: Use fresh bait when ants are actively looking for food, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
Chemical Treatments: If necessary, spot-treat anthills with an insecticide, following the label instructions carefully.
Here are some other resources concerning ants on the home lawn at the below links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/turfgrass-ant
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants
https://extension.psu.edu/ants-in-home-lawns
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/ants-in-lawns
Remember to always follow the safety guidelines when using any chemical treatments and consider consulting with a local lawn care specialist for personalized advice. Maintaining a healthy lawn and managing pests can be challenging, but with consistent care and the right techniques, you can achieve a lush, green lawn and an ant-free environment.
I hope this helps!
