[ChadStokes]

I'm looking at taking on my very first lawn renovation.

I'm sitting on about .37 acres and the house/driveway takes up a 1/4 of the plot. My current yard is about 30% weeds (6 variety's) 40% KBB/Rye mixture, and about 30% compact clay/rocky soil that never germinated/washed out.

Here is the current competition!


I would like to plant Midnight Kentucky Blue Grass and before I start killing off the existing lawn, does anyone have any other grass type recommendations? I wasn't sure if I should go straight Midnight or go with a blend like Seed Super Stores SS5000 blend.

I currently own a craftsman yt4000 42" riding mower but would like to look investing into a good reel mower so I can cut low.

Before I start any of this, I need to kill off the existing lawn and bring in some topsoil to regrade the yard. I'm thinking 1/2 compost & 1/2 topsoil mixture and roll it smooth.

 

[pennstater2005]

Welcome! I'm in western PA so glad to see another Pennsylvanian here. I'm at work but I'll look through this a little more later tonight.

 

[g-man]

Welcome to TLF. I would start by giving the cool season guide a good read and then a soil test. The guide will explain to first hit those weeds with Weed b Gon. And then some of those will need weed b gon CCO. Be careful with temperature as some products could kill you grass. Read the label.

I understand your goals, but I will suggest to get a year of following the guide and learning proper spray techniques, irrigation, etc, before doing a Reno. Once you get your lawn to look perfect, then do the Reno. A Reno is a risky business and proper preparation and experience are needed. We will guide you the rest of the way.

 

[pennstater2005]

I second @g-man recommendations :thumbup:

 

[ChadStokes]

Welcome to TLF. I would start by giving the cool season guide a good read and then a soil test. The guide will explain to first hit those weeds with Weed b Gon. And then some of those will need weed b gon CCO. Be careful with temperature as some products could kill you grass. Read the label.

I understand your goals, but I will suggest to get a year of following the guide and learning proper spray techniques, irrigation, etc, before doing a Reno. Once you get your lawn to look perfect, then do the Reno. A Reno is a risky business and proper preparation and experience are needed. We will guide you the rest of the way.

I'm actually looking to kill off the grass...hence the renovation. The compact/rocky clay soil is a nightmare and I'm about the right time to start the project, if I start by July I should be ready to lay seed around the beginning/mid August. I live about 5 minutes from Lebanon Turf / Lebanon Seaboard and they manufacture everything locally other then the seed I want.

 

[zeus201]

Welcome to TLF. I would start by giving the cool season guide a good read and then a soil test. The guide will explain to first hit those weeds with Weed b Gon. And then some of those will need weed b gon CCO. Be careful with temperature as some products could kill you grass. Read the label.

I understand your goals, but I will suggest to get a year of following the guide and learning proper spray techniques, irrigation, etc, before doing a Reno. Once you get your lawn to look perfect, then do the Reno. A Reno is a risky business and proper preparation and experience are needed. We will guide you the rest of the way.

I also second g-mans recommendation on holding off. Work with what you have for year, read and learn here, work on soil amendments form your soil test results, and techniques. I've waited several years working on "my craft" and finally feel comfortable tackling a reno

 

[jessehurlburt]

Get a soil test ASAP if you're committed to the reno. Do you have a backpack sprayer your comfortable with? What's your plan to keep the seed from getting washed out? Monostands are more risky, are you familiar with the different fungus common to your area and how to handle them? I assume you have in-ground irrigation? Best of luck and share your progress.