Landscaping Question
First Time Landscaper:
Bare Dirt Backyard

by Cary
(Stockton, Ca)

I have a bare dirt back yard and am looking to SEED it myself. I called around just to get an idea of how much it will cost to have someone come out and do it for me. Well, one guy I talked to tried to talk me into sod which I don't want because of cost, but I felt like he was trying to scare me by saying if I seed it my lawn will be full of weeds from the seeding. I have already turned the dirt over, added clean soil and sprayed weed killer before and after. What else can I do to prevent my seeded lawn from being full of weeds?

Our Expert Landscaper replies:

Seeding the lawn can result in a better lawn than sod, because the seed will germinate in its permanent environment. The contractor is right if a low quality seed is used. The quality of the seed is the key to a successful seeding. Each region has a specific blend of seed that thrives! Check with your local gardening expert for the proper blend for your area. Typically fall seedings have the best results. Seeding should not be done within six weeks of spraying any herbicide (weed killer). This allows time for the ground to purge the chemicals.

When spreading straw be careful to put down a light covering, do not allow it to pile up. There are several stores that sell straw netting rolls, this allows quick even coverage of the seeded areas. Any newly seeded area will have some unwanted germinations. When the seed becomes mature (about 6-8 weeks after germination) a turf weed killer can be applied to eliminate weeds.

A newly seeded lawn takes about two to three seasons to become full and beautiful. Just be patient and use high quality materials!