Can’t get grass to grow :(

August 27, 2009 by misschristinec
Filed under: *** Residents' Articles *** 

I’m a bit disappointed because at the beginning of the summer we attempted to get some grass growing in the front of our property. Sure it’s common area, but if the landscapers are not doing anything about it then we decided to do something. First we tried that spot treatment stuff, that comes in a shake-jug. Didn’t work so well. Then we decided to go the see route. Jason (my boyfriend and owner of #97) spent a whole bunch of time prepping and raking up the area and then applying the seed. We watered it every morning and night.. and just when we start to see some results to just kinda fizzled (not literally) and disappeared. Guess we’ll try again next summer! Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

We also plan to do a bit more to the back (side) yard area. We looked into having a tree cut down whose roots are taking over the potential flowerbed, but it was way too pricey and plus I like the shade it provides to the house. So maybe we’ll call up the landscapers to see what they can do about minimizing the roots(?) and plant some pretty shade-loving plants for next summer.

Comments

One Comment on Can’t get grass to grow :(

  1. Rick on Thu, 27th Aug 2009 11:58 pm

    2. Bummer about the grass. I’ve got no hard suggestions but I’ll add a few comments. The soil here is tough. I’ve had shrubs appear to thrive then suddenly die. Others just thrive. You said you watered morning and night. Maybe over-watered, which led to root rot? Is there enough sunlight? Maybe it wasn’t the right species of grass? I don’t know the exact spot you’re talking about, but I do know that dog pee kills healthy grass in short order, so it probably decimates new grass immediately. IMHO many/most dog owners here could use a lesson or two in animal waste management. If you know what I mean.

    Then there’s this stuff they use to grow grass alongside highways when they install new overpasses and such. A truck comes by in the morning they spray green stuff from a tank using a thick hose to cover the bare earth with a dull green material. A day later it’s sprouting and a week later you’d swear the thick, green carpet has been there forever. If they overspray onto, say, concrete then grass will briefly grow there, too. But since concrete doesn’t supply nutrients like the earth does, that grass dies quickly. :-) Anyway, whatever stuff that is it would probably do the trick.

    You mentioned trees, too. I’ve heard it said over and over again by various landscape folks – so it must be true – that many of the trees in our community have simply outgrown their usefulness. Trees grow, and what was once nicely proportioned is now too big. The Board has planned and rehabilitated some of the common areas already, but there’s still much to be done. (Search the site for tree work related missives from the Board.) One problem is that some of the problems exist on private property and thus fall into the domain of homeowners. And that can be expensive, as you point out.

    I’m no expert, but I don’t think you can just magically shrink roots. Maybe it’s time to remove or replace the tree you mention, so as to bring in some sunlight for grass and other plants? Maybe you can cut a deal with our landscapers? (See my notes on the last Board meeting.) There’s a tree service I’ve used on another property, with rates I thought to be quite reasonable, and I’ve seen them doing work here in the community for individuals. If I see you outside sometime I can give you their card. With the down economy, I’ve found prices for work like this are actually pretty good.

    Good luck!

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