Weed Filled Lawn - What to do?

meames_2

My back garden was a mess when I moved in and isn't much better now! My grass isn't very level, which I can live with but is a mess. There seems to be different varieties of grass growning randomly and amongst these patches seems to large dandelion patches and something that looks like staggly clover has taken over a good third.

Last year I tried Verdona (??) lawn weed killer but without much success.

What can I do there are so many weeds it would take forever to dig them up (and there is just me). (also the family of spiders that live by the fence terrify me).

Does walking the dog on nearby fields bring back seeds he may have picked up and contribute to the weedfest.

Any help gratefully appreciated

Michelle

Vibrant

Hi,
It's too late in the year now. Wait until next year when the grass (and weeds) start growing, then give it a couple of treatments of weed and feed (look around B&Q, or similar), rake out the dead bits and use some lawn restorer (a mix of fertilizer and seeds). Don't cut the lawn too short, nothing ruins a lawn quicker, or helps the weeds and moss more.

It's not a quick fix, but if you persevere with a little TLC, by the end of next year you should have a reasonable lawn.
I have recovered absolutely dire areas of customers lawn with just a little care.
Someone will probably suggest ripping up the current grass and turfing the area. This will work, but is far more work than Ground Force type programs suggest.

I dare say the dog does bring back a few seeds on his coat, trying shaving him (just joking). The seeds blow in on the wind and are dropped by birds, you can't stop weeds entirely, just slow them down.

roddydogs

Green Thumb (look up website)

NayLAne

Pull up the large weeds by the roots (like the dandelions) - if you do a small patch at a time it will be much easier... Try doing a 3 acre field!

rustyjemma

re-name the lawn a conservation area & enjoy? - Works for me!

ixwood

Weedy lawns are better for wildlife. Go one step further and have a wildflower meadow for part of the year!

Alternatively to get the lawn back mow regularly which will check most weeds at least. A nitrogen feed will help the grass. fish tank water, pee, nettle juice are all good for this.

spookylukey

roddydogs wrote: »

Green Thumb (look up website)

I second the vote for Greenthumb, when I moved in my lawn was hideous - absolutely full of big ugly plantain type weeds. I bought some weed & feed type thing from B&Q and sprinkled this on, unfortunately you had to be very accurate and treat each square metre with something like 20 grams. I didn't measure it properly and ended up with a scorched lawn and still had weeds.

Greenthumb do 4 treatments a year - my front and back garden are of average size and I pay £15 per session. There's no contract so if you can't afford it or change your mind you just ring them and ask them not to come. They've done my last treatment now and I think the next one is in the spring but keep their details and give them a ring in early spring, it's definitely worth the money.

http://www.greenthumb.co.uk/index.html

frivolous_fay

Clover is underrated It keeps its green far better than grass in dry spells, and the bees like it
I've started to get some growing in mine and I'm leaving it. My problems are moss, violets, purple willow and one other purple thing I can't even identify!

I've been painstakingly picking out the weeds for a year now and I like to think I'm making progress

emujuice

My (fairly small) lawn was also most dandelions, a tiny bit of grass, lots of moss and some muddy patches. after lots of weeding and feeding and sprinkling seed all I managed to do was get rid of the moss. I then killed everything with a glyphosate weed killer (the grass really wasn't worth saving) and have started to dig up the roots and break up the soil. I then plan on turfing it.
it is HARD WORK!!! I'm not sure I'd recomend it if you have at least half the lawn as grass. repair might be a better option!

catalyst2000

WARNING IF CONSIDERING USING GREENTHUMB.
I have used Greenthumb since 2003 and have always been pleased with the results and condition of my Lawns. However since 2009 Greenthumb have changed the franchise to a company in Ruddlan. Almost immediately I became aware that things did not seem right with the lawns.I contacted their office to complain, but all they did was send someone who continually said it was my fault. Both lawns have been damaged after the Winter/Spring applications.The side garden is like a dust bowl. I invited 5 independent lawn experts to examine the lawns. All said
"The lawns have been damaged by the over use of weedkiller". The cost to repair my lawns would be
£300. I have even sent emails/photos and letters to Greenthumb head office, addressed to the Managing Diretor Mr Waring, But all they say is that the dispute is with their franchise office in Ruddlan. I have given them every opportunity to resolve this problem that was caused by them, without any offer to repair the lawns. I have now placed the matter in the hands of the local Trading Standards, who have sent a letter to them.
BE WARNED, IF YOU VALUE YOUR LAWNS DO NOT USE GREENTHUMB.