[Guest]

Well I knew when I started to get the tttf fescue in my backyard really nice, that perhaps the in laws would want me to help them with theirs. Well the father in law has asked me to help. Their idea of growing grass is throw it down and let it rain and I try to explain that it just doesn't work like that to maintain a nice looking yard. He wants the least maintenance grass possible and in the front half of his yard light output is decent but not great. I'm just guessing maybe 3-4 hrs full sun and 3 hours filtered. When he says least maintenance I automatically think centipede or a st Augustine. I know there's enough light to grow plenty of weeds because that's all he has and they want instant gratification. I told him to wait until fall here to reseed and aerate and dethatch. Unfortunately he isn't going to listen he wants to act now. I know for a fact even if I do a nice job helping get tttf growing he won't keep it up. So should I just recommend a zoysia like Meyers or emerald that is shade tolerant or maybe a st Augustine. I just think he's going to piss his money away trying to seed fescue at this point without proper irrigation. If needed this post might could be moved to general I didn't know where to place it.
The hard spot is that my wife expects me to help him get his yard like mine and that takes time and work.
I've explained my opinion on just plugging a warm season grass and just set it and forget it so to speak. So what would y'all do? I'm on a limb that's already cracked LOL

 

[Colonel K0rn]

Sod with centipede, and call it a day. They don't call it the lazy man's grass for nothing.

 

[social port]

Sounds like you are in a tough spot. He's wanting your help, but is also rejecting your help. Those are impossible conditions.
In this situation you are the expert. If they want your help, then they must follow your guidance.

If it were me, I'd stick to what I know best. I'd offer a plan (like you have done) to seed fescue in the fall if that is the idea you most like. If he doesn't go along, then that is a rejecting of your help. If he does go along, then maybe he'll enjoy his yard for a while. And when the lawn needs to be cared for, he might be motivated to maintain its look. Alternatively, if he isn't willing to follow up on your recommendations for care, then he will learn first-hand how right you are.

So, I'd offer fescue in the fall or nothing.

 

[beastcivic]

Tough spot to be in. Reminds me a bit of my in-laws. They're willing to shell out a little cash for me to put down applications of fert, pre-e, weed control, etc. But won't water much, and won't mow it at the height needed for it to thrive. I'm constantly trying to educate them, and they'll only partially take my advice. I feel for you.

 

[Guest]

Sod with centipede, and call it a day. They don't call it the lazy man's grass for nothing.

I would love to, but unfortunately that would would be out of the question. I don't think it would survive the shade and the size of the property would have astronomical cost. His total lot is around 4.5 acres. I'd guess maybe around 3 acres of weeds and grass. I recommended him to hire who his neighbors have as their fescue is top notch but he wants to do it himself.
I'm just gonna recommend a lawn test now and fertilizer if need and maybe aerate. Then seed this fall if he'll listen and wait. I didn't know it but their HOA is sending fines each month cause of the grasses condition. 🤨