New grass needs something??

[ror105]

Ok fellas (and ladies too), I graded and installed some French drains through a 1/4 acre section of my yard last year. Planted a good mix of grass seed, a year ago today. Watered it daily until it came up and it looked sparse but green. 10 months later I did the same to the front yard and it is looking much better already than the back section.
My question to you is it has been hot and dry on occasion this summer but we have had enough rain i think and the grass is browning. Do you think a supplement will help? I did fertilize with some Scott's in early May but it appears there may be some mold on the dirt under the grass. It is still sparse and the grass plants look like there is too much leaf for the single set of roots that are feeding it. Maybe a reseed in the fall would help but I want to wait until I put the patio in behind the house?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

 

[forgeblast]

What I normally do is lime it and fertilize it, and then the next year lime it again.

 

[OldMcDonald]

Take a soil sample and have it analysed fo pH and whatever macro nutrients your local place does at reasonable cost. Ask too whether you are likely to have a trace mineral deficiency - they will know if there is something specific to your locality. It will not cost much, and could save you spending money on fertiliser you do not need.

 

[bigtiller]

I would wait for the summer heat to be over with and see what it looks like after labor day.

 

[EE_Bota]

I like the analysis idea, and you may find you are low on iron, or some such thing.

Those trees...they aren't that far away, and they will run roots through that entire area and compete for water and nutrients.

I like your description about too much blade for the single root...that's why they suggest you sprinkle water like mad...so the grass won't dry out and die. You have to keep it right damp long enough for the roots to get deep enough to sustain the plant on rain water alone.

 

[ror105]

Well I think you are all right on many counts. Soil test on Monday and go from there. I knew the French drains were moving a lot of water, possibly too much. It is worth it to be able to pull the tractor in there and not have it sink to the axles!

Thanks all!

Rob

 

[s219]

Don't fight he summer heat (or the fungus that can develop if we get too much rain in summer). It's a bad time of year for cool season grasses like fescue. Fall is the perfect time to get down to business.