A few questions from a new guy

[palmseed]

Good day. I have a few issues with my lawn that I would like some advice on.

My backyard is well used. For the past 6 years, basically all I've done was fertilizer and keep it cut. I've only had it aerated twice. This year and 5 years ago. I wasn't aware that it should be done every year when it's used alot. Anyway, I used to have to cut it every week, but now it's every 3, probably because the soil is compacted. It is still pretty green, but there's alot of areas with dead grass. I keep raking these up and throw down some seed, but they don't seem to grow. Again probably due to compacted soil. I also have alot of moss in the lawn. You can't really see it unless you cut the grass and look really close, but it's there. I'd like to get rid of this as well, but prefer to use something organic rather than chemicals. Some old timer told me that worms don't like the chemicals. Makes sense to me.

I will also say that I work at a lumber mill where part of my job is operating a large wood burning furnace. I have a great supply of fly/wood ash available. Not sure if I can use this for anything. Somebody told me that wood ash works like lime, which helps to get rid of moss.

Anyway, I was thinking that maybe I should rake in a few bags of peat moss along with some grass seed. However, I am not sure if I should do this now or if I need to get rid of the moss first.

I always feel the need to rush into everything as lawn/gardening season where I live begins late May and ends mid October.

Thanks for your help!

[shadetree]

I don't know if it will help, but i've heard lsuag center recommend that if one has a patch of dead grass, the best thing to do is cut it out and put new sod down. I hope that little bit helps. Maybe others more knowledgeable will chime in; especially about the moss.

[c1377]

sounds to me like you cut your grass too close & don't mulch the clippings.

[palmseed]

I'd say that you are probably exactly right. I have always been bagging the clippings, but was thinking about it before spring. The only time I'll bag them is when the dandelions are out. I am not sure if there is a certain cycle, but it seems that the dandelions come out and then a few weeks later, the grass seeds come out. I don't know if grass seeds come out at specific times, but I figure that it is good to let those go back onto the lawn. I've also set my mower a little higher as well. Good to see I am doing something right!

[atlbry]

if your soil is sweetened the moss will go away. what type is it? also, shade? the temp outside? different grasses like different things. any pictures?

[atlbry]

lime sweetens and the ash will help but not to much. it is good to reseed when you airate in the spring or fall some people do it both times here.

[palmseed]

Up here, our snow finally melts around the end of April. The lawn will remain wet through most of May. There always has been a little moss on one end of the lawn that is in the shade almost all day in April anyway. Not sure if moss spreads like clover would. Our days are very long in the summer (still bright last night at 2am) so there is no problem with shade in the summer. I'll definitely put some lime on it. So now here's a dumb question. If I do, should I put some peat moss on it as well? I am not sure if the lime would have the same effect on the peat moss. Do you have any suggestions for a fertilizer? I do throw down seed maybe once a month but as I said, I don't think much of it is taking root. Thanks!

[atlbry]

peat moss tends to be acidic since it is harvested deep in boggs of marsh and has no nutrional value what so ever i would use a compost along with lime and fertilizer and loosen up the soil below. dont cut your grass until it is tall and dont over seed. since i am not in your area i really cant tell but i guess it would be a fescue or a fescue bluegrass mix witch will clump in oiur heat here in the summer when fertilized. you can also ask a local garden store, or do what has been done to me in the past and call up for a free quote and ask alot of questions like what would you do to get grass to grow and jsut do it yourself.

[w8in4dave]

I found this site .. it may help
http://www.galeswestlake.com/messages/117.html

[palmseed]

That's great help. Thanks.