How do I save my lawn?
Question:I have a backyard that has never been landscaped and is filled with all kinds of weeds and grasses. The Texas summer is just beginning and I have virtually no shade protection. Does anybody have any advice on how to build a healthy yard out of this mess?
Answers:
Slow down partner.
Some of what maybe growing in your back yard might just be some native Texas plants and grasses. Before you go ripping it all out, your best bet would be to consult with your local cooperative extension office and see what they have on local native grasses and flowers. Once you have done that, selectively remove the invasive non-native plant species and plant native grasses and flowers in their place. This will allow you to attract deneficial native insects and birds to your backtard oasis.
While you are at the extension office, I would also suggest picking up a list of native trees and shrubs, so you can get the shade that you are so badly in need of.
Native oaks are always highly recommended, but look for diversity when planting trees and shrubs. You want to avoid mono cultures of all one tree or shrub. I would also suggest that you mix in plants that will give you seasonal variations of spring, summer and fall color. Drought tolerant is a must.
Last but not least, make sure you give your new plantings the right amount of "TLC. " Too much, or too little will spell diasaster. By using native plants, you find that you will need to water less, use less fertilizer if any, and greatly reduce if not eliminate entirely the need for toxic pesticides and herbicides, by attracting beneficial birds and insects to take care of the other pests..
Good luck and with time and some hard work on your part, you can create an island oasis of native plants, shrub and trees where once one didn't exist.
We live on the coast of South Carolina and had the same problem last summer. My husband contacted Pennington Seed directly online and asked for advice...the solutions they gave us, specifically for our area, were awesome. We went from dirt and weeds, to a beautifully green, weed-free lawn!! We killed off all the weeds and grasses, put nitrogen and lime into the soil after loosening it all up and then put down Pennington Rebel IV seed, made specifically for hot, humid areas. We watered it as directed, continue to put weed control and nitrogen, and it is great! Good luck.
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