[DFWdude]

We moved into our current house 27 SEPT 2019. Here is a picture of the lawn we inherited.



When spring 2020 hit, there were more weeds than grass. I hadnt found this site yet, so I hit it with all sorts of chemicals. Some worked, some didnt. My wife and I ended up spending time each night ripping weeds out by hand. When we each filled a 5gal bucket, we'd stop for the day. Shockingly, that process went on for a looooong time.

I spot leveled an area, fired my landscaper in April and took over the upkeep, and fertilized as best I could.

Here are some pictures from 03 JUL 2020







I found this site when I ran into irrigation issues around AUG, and I'm so glad to have this resource!

Here is a picture from last week, as things are declining into fall.



The lawn still has a nasty thatch issue, and feels like you're walking on a wet sponge. Come spring time, I will scalp, dethatch, level and start reel mowing. Will definitely post updates as actions take place. Just wanted to get the thread primed for action!

 

[dubyadubya87]

Looks like you have a great base to build from, nice and thick. Exactly what I would do too; get that extra height and thatch off and mow it lowwwww.

 

[DFWdude]

Started the year with a front yard scalp





Also, due to some life events I dont think that I'll be able to reel mow everything. Current plan is to reel mow the front, and a small section of the back. The remainder will get dealt with via the ztr.

Spring weeds exploded this year, even w a heavy pre-e. So dealing with those and will then scalp the back.

 

[DFWdude]

Decked the backyard to an inch in preparation for dethatching and scalping

 

[DFWdude]

Dethatched maybe a 1/3 of the back yard. Holy moly I have a thatch problem!! I mean, I knew I did...but yikes.

 

[DFWdude]

A better comparison shot of the progress thus far. Left side has been dethatched.

 

[DFWdude]

Finished detatching and scalped my area to be reel mowed.

 

[DFWdude]

Have been regularly reel mowing the areas that I will maintain short, but have been bad at logging the mows on my calendar. Will do so from now on so I have a record to compare against next year.

Reel Mowed today. Still waiting for 80degree temps, so things have not greened up too much yet.

 

[DFWdude]

Backyard area where I am reel mowing is coming in well

March 31



April 7



April 12

 

[DFWdude]

Just had some downspout pop up emitters tied into our drainage line. The crew asked if I had a reel mower.
First people to notice. I almost hugged them.

 

[GoDawgs]

My back hurts just reading this. A lot of work. What a beautiful yard and property! I'm sure it will be worth the extra effort soon.

 

[DFWdude]

My back hurts just reading this. A lot of work. What a beautiful yard and property! I'm sure it will be worth the extra effort soon.

Many thanks, sir. Much appreciated!

 

[DFWdude]

Making progress

 

[DFWdude]

Golf ball for HOC reference

 

[DFWdude]

Well, I have decided to try and reel mow the entire lawn. Even w full green up incomplete, i can tell how much better it will look. Plus, the mowing is sort of addicting.
Gonna fill some more bags w clipping tonight!

 

[DFWdude]

Snuck some mowing in during lunch

 

[UltimateLawn]

Looking really good!

 

[DFWdude]

Looking really good!

Thanks! What part of Dallas are you in?

 

[UltimateLawn]

Grapevine. Trying to do St Aug here in direct sunlight and fighting bermudagrass encroachment. Lots of destruction/rebuild going on over here. I need to send some updated pics on my journal.

 

[DFWdude]

I'm next door in the oh-so-evil town town that just got international attention with our election.
Looking forward to seeing your progress!