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!
