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Repairing a lawn #868247

Asked May 13, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT

The past two years of drought & dogs really damaged our back yard. So last fall we had it slit seeded, but that happened pretty late in the season (Oct/Nov). We also dormant seeded w/ bee lawn seed & fenced off the yard to keep the dog out. Nothing came up this spring except weeds. I still have one bag of bee lawn seed & purchased some Scotts Rapid Grass. Is it too late to try again? Thought we'd rake to rough up the soil, spread seed & water twice/daily. How does this sound? Any advice? What do they call the fabric looking material people put over grass seed to prevent birds & critters from eating the seed. Should we use this? Super frustrated by our lack of success growing any grass. There's ample sun & right now there're a lot of weeds sprouting, too. Really appreciate your advice. Help!!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.

No it’s not too late to seed.  Roughing up your area before putting the seed down is a great idea.  Also covering up the seed with just the soil will help hold down the seed.

There are different things you can use.  Straw works, but you can buy lawn seed covers at many hardware stores or even big box store.  Be sure it is for grass seed and not landscape fabric.

Grass needs about an inch of water a week.  I would water it really well two to three times a week using a sprinkler for 1/2 hour to one hour depending on hot warm the temps get.

Remember you will still get weeds.  It’s impossible not to.  You just need to wait until your grass is up really good and then remove weeds by hand or spray.

Good luck.

Deb Kroon Replied May 13, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT

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