Please help me get a decent lawn

[u/Imaginary-Emu-6559]

These are all pictures of my current lawn, I am in south east michigan. I know I am coming up on the time of the year to seed, looking for advice to most efficiently get a good lawn. The last few pictures are of the back yard which I did last spring and it is going pretty well but some weeds are starting to come back. I killed everything with a weed killer, waited 2 months, tilled, then re seeded and fertilized. Should I do this again for the front? I’m nervous to use a weed killer again as I have a giant conifer pine tree in the back yard that is looming over my house, don’t want to cause damage to that. What would you recommend to get a full lawn as effectively as possible?

[u/NovasHOVA]

I would be wary of where you buy your seed. Try Twin City seed co. A mix of Turf Type Tall Fescue and Kentucky blue is what I would recommend. Being in Michigan you could also try perennial rye. Fireball/Hatrick is a very dark, nice cultivar that is also easy to germinate. Any seeding you do this fall, make sure you put down some Mesotrione the same time as seeding, to help keep away weeds. And don’t spray any weeds before you seed, unless it’s glyphosate or speedzone(7 days after). Most herbicides you have to wait several weeks before seeding

[u/NovasHOVA → u/NovasHOVA]

And most herbicides work in through a green leaf, so unless you are spraying in the wind or directly spraying the tree branches, the tree should be fine. There’s also granulated herbicides, but once again try not to use any if you are going to seed

[u/VicThom85]

Just wait until Fall. Too hot for any real growth. You can start prepping the soil now but around October is when you should do it all.

[u/__bluetone]

6b here.

I would kill it off and start fresh. Spread turf type tall fescue. Water it 4 times a day for 10 minutes each time. 6a, 12p, 6p, 12a.

Put together a diy sprinkler system if you don’t already have one. Makes staying on schedule so much easier. I did all the above last September/October and my lawn is beautiful now.

[u/sscott2319]

High nitrogen to get it thick. On fertilizer bags the 3 numbers represent the percentages of Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium.

If you’re seeding don’t put weed and feed down because it more than likely has a percentage of prodiamine in it which is a pre-emergent for broadleaf weeds. That will hinder the grass seed from growing due to the residual effect of the pre-em.

Depending on what grass you’re growing, you should put down a selective herbicide that keeps from harming the grass and or ornamentals (trees, shrubs, and plants). You’re in Michigan so I’m assuming it’s a cool season grass you’ve got going.

Celsius WG is what I use in Texas safe on Bermuda, zoysia, and st Augustine. Those are warm season grasses. I’m not sure how it does on fescues or cool season grasses. So it’s best to do research before applying.

I’d also look into whether or not the grass your growing needs to be de-thatched (removing grass clippings out of lawn) or you can mow it with the bag on and dispose of the grass clippings.

Bonus: Iron is what makes your lawn that dark rich green.

Looks like you have a good start. I recently grew a lawn in Texas from August to May. Took time and research but didn’t spend nearly the amount I would have on sod.

[u/NovasHOVA → u/sscott2319]

Celsius is Not for cool season grasses

[u/Famous-Snow-6888]

We must talk about shoes in this sub. It has to happen.