Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

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San
Posts: 18
Joined: June 21st, 2021, 12:15 pm
Location: South Eastern MA
Grass Type: TTTF
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Novice

Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by San » June 21st, 2021, 1:59 pm

I just moved to a recently new construction here in South Eastern MA, the previous owner had the house for about 1 year after the construction was completed and didn't do anything with the yard.

As a result the new yard is 20k sqft of every weed that grows in this area and a little perennial rye mixed in.

I've been reading up a lot, especially here on this forum (Thanks for all the great info!).
So I decided to register and both share progress and look for feedback on my reno plan.

This month (June), I've done the following things:
  • Based on the first recommendations, I did a soil test and it's on it's way to Logan's Lab.
    • Based on that report I'm planning to treat the soil aggressively, as I don't have to be careful with what is currently growing.
    • Though I don't yet have a clue how to translate the results they will send me to a treatment plan, but I'm hoping the soil treatment experts here are able to help there. I did find the soil treatment section on this forum, which is why I sent my samples to Logan's.
  • I've been fixing the irrigation to make sure I have good water coverage and have started watering the weeds.
    • Mostly to start loosening up the rock hard soil and get as many weeds to germinate before I start killing it off.
  • And have dug up most of the larger boulders that were buried in the yard.
    • There are still a lot of smaller rocks left, but I'm hoping to rake most of those out after I nuked the weeds.
Starting next month (July) I'm planning the below schedule in the order listed:
  • Order seeds
  • Kill off lawn
  • Water and Kill what comes up
  • Rake rocks out and Level
  • Liquid aerate and add what is needed based on soil test
Then we should be getting into August, where I'm planning to:
  • Order Peat Moss
  • Continue soil treatment
  • Making sure 1.4" of soil is not compacted to prepare for seed
  • Add one more round of glyphosate if there is anything left living
  • Add Tenacity as pre-emergent 2 days before seeding
  • Put down an extra starter fertilizer if needed after soil treatment
  • Seed and cover with Peat Moss
Then let that go for 2 weeks, which should get me in September the plan there is just:
  • Apply Fast N to feed the new grass (and again after 3 weeks)
  • Do any spot seeding on bare sports
  • Spot spray tenacity in case some weeds come up
  • And when the grass goes above 2" mow it at 2" for the first couple of mows
Then in October:
  • Apply one more round of Fast N
  • Put down some Prodiamine to keep the weeds away
As I'm all new to this, I planned out (hopefully) everything to make sure I'm not missing anything.
If you have any feedback and/or recommendations on the above, please share, as I'm still learning.

YEM
Posts: 32
Joined: December 30th, 2020, 11:50 am
Location: North Haven, CT
Grass Type: Northern Mix
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Novice

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by YEM » June 21st, 2021, 3:00 pm

I’m not experienced enough to review your full plan, but I’d consider sourcing peat moss earlier. I’ve seen some discussion of shortages here in CT at the moment. So if you can find it easily now, consider grabbing it so you’re not chasing it last minute.

San
Posts: 18
Joined: June 21st, 2021, 12:15 pm
Location: South Eastern MA
Grass Type: TTTF
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Novice

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by San » June 21st, 2021, 3:19 pm

YEM wrote:
June 21st, 2021, 3:00 pm
I’m not experienced enough to review your full plan, but I’d consider sourcing peat moss earlier. I’ve seen some discussion of shortages here in CT at the moment. So if you can find it easily now, consider grabbing it so you’re not chasing it last minute.
Thanks! I wasn't aware of this. Will certainly be moving this up the list now.

Masbustelo
Posts: 488
Joined: September 14th, 2018, 10:56 pm
Location: Western Illinois, parallel to tip o Lake Michigan.
Grass Type: Mazama KBG
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Some Experience

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by Masbustelo » June 21st, 2021, 8:28 pm

I would say sooner is better than later with the glyphosphate. Also get your seed as quickly as possible, otherwise the variety you want might be hard to find.

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andy10917
Posts: 29739
Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
Level: Advanced

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by andy10917 » June 21st, 2021, 8:41 pm

Yup!! The grass seed season is late September to late August. Popular cultivars get very hard-to-find in early July, if not earlier.


San
Posts: 18
Joined: June 21st, 2021, 12:15 pm
Location: South Eastern MA
Grass Type: TTTF
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Novice

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by San » June 21st, 2021, 10:24 pm

I’m planning on going with GCI’s TTTF with KBG.

I contacted them earlier and they told me that they are planning a sale in early July and recommended me to wait for the sale.

So hopefully they will have enough when their sale goes up.

edslawn
Posts: 475
Joined: July 2nd, 2019, 9:22 pm
Location: South Central PA
Grass Type: Northern Mix
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Some Experience

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by edslawn » June 23rd, 2021, 6:17 pm

Looks like you are the right track and thanks for posting your progress. It will be nice to see how it goes.

Pictures are very helpful too!!

San
Posts: 18
Joined: June 21st, 2021, 12:15 pm
Location: South Eastern MA
Grass Type: TTTF
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Novice

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by San » June 29th, 2021, 1:33 pm

Thanks! I'll add some pictures soon as well, though right now it's not much to look at.

Masbustelo
Posts: 488
Joined: September 14th, 2018, 10:56 pm
Location: Western Illinois, parallel to tip o Lake Michigan.
Grass Type: Mazama KBG
Lawn Size: 20000-1 acre
Level: Some Experience

Re: Transforming 20k sqft of weeds to a lawn (2020)

Post by Masbustelo » June 30th, 2021, 4:24 am

Later on you'll be glad you took some before pictures.

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