New Lawn plan. Indiana. mostly dandelions

We have 1/2 acre with vegetable garden, berry garden, fruit trees and native wild flowers.  We've reduced the lawn quite a bit but now we'd like to improve the lawn look w/o chemicals.  We mow high.  


We have a shady front yard that is about 1/4  grass 1/4 clover and 1/2 dandelions.  Our soil is low quality compacted clay and about an inch deep.     We're going to add top soil and compost this fall and seed with fine fescue or a blend?  Here's our plan, please review it.  

1. trim trees to maximize light- Spring

2 add lime to existing poor soil  - Spring and summer

3  add 2-3 inches of  50/50 topsoil/ compost mix (should we till it all together)-  Fall

4.  plant grass seed and crocuses and water-  Fall


I think adding 4 inches of topsoil to our whole front yard is a bit ambitious.  If we only add 2" many of the weeds will just grow thru.  Should I let them or burn the worst spots first or???  Should I till before or after the dirt arrives or ever?  We're ok having some clover and flowers and dandelions in the yard.  Should we plant a fescue blend or just fine fescue for a mostly shaded yard?  If adding 4" and smothering everything is key to making this work I could rent a skid steer and do that.  

Thanks!

Your field of dandelions must be so cheerful! They're going to love the new fertility that you bring in.

I know that's not what you're looking for, but it's all I've got. Welcome to Permies!

Your plan sounds good to me.

When we lived in the big city we had a load of sandy loam delivered in the spring.  We never tilled or did anything.  The grass came right up through the loam.

It might help to make a natural fertilizer with Epsom salts and molasses.  

One part Epsom salts to two parts molasses.  When dissolved aff to 5 gallons of water.

Do you compost?  If not that is something to consider doing so you can have the benefits of making compost tea.

This thread might be of interest to you or others:

https://permies.com/t/11/organic-lawn-care-cheap-lazy

If you are located in no. Indiana, you will likely find this particularly relevant: The Beginner's Landscape Transformation Manual by MIchael Hoag. The author's Permaculture experience has been particularly in urban areas of Michigan and Ft. Wayne. It's not limited to that region though--this book has been very helpful for me here in middle Tennessee!