I went to church and then came back and have been doing some yardwork that I have been neglecting for the past 3 weeks. My front yard is cool after a nice mowing and edging. However my backyard I am highly unsatisfied with. I have patches of brown grass and in some areas it is completely dead and starting to turn into dust, while I also am starting to get dandelions and crab grass mixed in it. I am not happy about this. So lawn experts give me your advice.

I would help you, but I don't know shit about this stuff. My front lawn looks horrible

I think you need a pitchfork. You need to get water into the lawn, I think. Make holes with a pitchfork and then water it. If you don't make the holes first, all the water will stay on top and it'll be awful.

It could be any number of things causing the brown patches...insects, disease, fungus, etc...you may need to get the yard professionally treated by a pest control company...as far as the dandelions and crabbgrass, you could use any number of weed control products but if you get the rest of the lawn healthy again, the good grass will smother the weeds...

I don't know much about your zone, soil, lawn layout, size, etc. but off the top of my head. . .


Do you have a dog that pees in the backyard?

I would start by thatching / raking the brown spots out, sprinkle grass seed, and then water down with Miracle Grow.


Are there trees in your backyard?

I would thatch / rake the brown spots and any extra tree debris. Then, either with an aerator or a pitchfork - aerate (put holes in the ground like tenderizing a steak) over the yard space. The grass type that usually grows under trees is called fescue and is very thin so you will want to throw down a shade loving grass seed and water thoroughly.

Personally I think going with a ground cover plant instead of nursing fescue is the way to go when it comes to backyards with trees.


To get rid of the weeds in the lawn:

When you mow your lawn at a 2 inch blade distance once weekly, and make sure it has had water / rain at least every 2-3 days the weeds will die back naturally due to thicker grass.

If necessary, some overgrown weeds / crabgrass should be hand pulled so that the root comes out with it. When you use chemicals you end up with big, brown dead weeds that are still an eyesore. The best way to handle it is by pulling them out root and all.

Hope this helps!

You probably have grubs and if that's the case your lawn is ruined for this year.

Reseed and treat your lawn this fall to prevent it from happening again next year.

xeriscape it.