What time of year to redo a yard?

[JFoy]

Got an acre of land on about a 7degree slope that was a garden for years but has been fallow for the past five years. And during these past five years, it has just been brush-hogged every year. The ground is rather lumpy.

We're getting ready to build a new house and this field will be our front yard area. Not so much a question of how to work it up and level it but when? We're in the Piedmont NC area and the soil is considered sandy loam / wedowee.

My plan involves using the disc to break up the grass (maybe the tiller) and move some around with the box blade to smooth some rough spots.

This time of year, we can get heavy rains that might wash ruts and the like. As of late, we seem to get a short but heavy rain once to twice a week.

So, should I wait till the fall to cut it and reseed it or do it now and spread straw on it?

Thanks,
John

 

[JMER817]

Seed germinates best when the temp is between 60 and 80 deg. Use a straw blanket on the slope.

 

[CADplans]

This has been a weird year with excess moisture in the soil.
If you do not over work the soil, and loose all the moisture,,, do it now.
If you just GOTTA run a power 3PH rototiller,,, then wait 'til spring,,,

 

[Streetcar]

Rototilling will expose the weed seed, and lead weeds to grow
Use roundup to kill existing vegetation.
Fill the low spots
Fall is the best grass growing time

 

[JFoy]

Rototilling will expose the weed seed, and lead weeds to grow
Use roundup to kill existing vegetation.
Fill the low spots
Fall is the best grass growing time

Are you saying you'd kill it off now, grade it, and reseed this fall?

 

[smstonypoint]

Assuming that you will be planting fescue, your chances of getting a good stand are much better if you plant in the fall (mid- to late September, early October) rather than the spring.

Steve

 

[JMER817]

Assuming that you will be planting fescue, your chances of getting a good stand are much better if you plant in the fall (mid- to late September, early October) rather than the spring. Steve

Agree, this way the grass gets two growing seasons before heading into the hot summer months

 

[Turbys_1700]

Assuming that you will be planting fescue, your chances of getting a good stand are much better if you plant in the fall (mid- to late September, early October) rather than the spring.

Steve

This...
I've always tried to re-seed between the 15th of September and the 15th of October...
Piedmont area of NC...

 

[smstonypoint]

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to have your soil tested. There is no charge for the tests in NC and you can pick up the soil sample kits at your local Cooperative Extension office -- Soil Testing for Lawns and Gardens | North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Steve

 

[Streetcar]

Start to kill now.
Can retreat any missed areas, then plant in mid September
As Steve said, have soil tested also