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Need to establish a new lawn #868897

Asked May 17, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT

Last year I had to have a new septic system installed and it was put in the back of my property. My side yard and a good portion of the back yard were destroyed. They filled in black dirt and seed. With the amount of yard destroyed, that I do not have an irrigation system and working long hours, I decided to concentrate on one section of yard at a time to get a good lawn established. I didn't do so bad establishing the grass in that section, but I have never seen so many weeds come up as I did this spring. The weeds have also taken over the other areas. Since I have a well, I have always tried to avoid fertilizer and weed control, but I am desperate. I don't know what I should be using to get rid of the weeds while trying to grow grass at the same time, or how to best prepare the soil with fertilizer for my best chance at grass? Or what other tips I can use considering that I am attempting to do this with a hose and sprinkler. Also, if possible, advice on the least hazardous chemicals would be appreciated as I have an older well. Thank you!

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hello!

I understand how challenging it can be to install a new septic system —what a mess it is! I've been in your shoes, and I'm here to help answer your questions.

How to prepare soil:  I suggest you do a soil test and amend the soil as described in the test results.  By amending the soil, you may not need fertilizers or need to fertilize as much. Here is a link: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/

If you are concerned about using chemicals, you could manually pick the weeds in the grassed area depending on the amount.   Here is a link to lawn renovation, especially if  30 to 50 percent of the area is weeds: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability

To establish a new lawn in the "all weeds" section, you can cover it with black plastic to kill weeds and then wait until fall to establish the grass: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns

Some other thoughts that might be of interest:

planting a prairie garden:https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/planting-and-maintaining-prairie-garden#selecting-plants-1644212

bee lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT

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