How to reseed a lawn (and with what) in Houston? (Spring: how much, house)

[caliking]

Hello all.

So my lawn is not looking so great, especially the front. Was thinking of reseeding it, but am not sure where to start. The following questions come to mind:

1. What should I reseed it with? I have the generic looking grass that the builder put down, but would like a finer grass that still looks green in the Houston "winter". One of my neighbors has this kind of grass, so I will ask him for more info as well. Any suggestions from folks who have done this recently? The back of the house faces SW, the front NE.

2. How much would it roughly cost to have my lawn guy do it? We have a 12,000 sq ft lot but all of it is not grass.

3. What is the best way to reseed a lawn? Is it okay to do it now or should wait for later in the summer/early fall?

4. Any other suggestions for a better looking lawn besides reseeding?

Thanks in advance!

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by caliking

Hello all.

I have the generic looking grass that the builder put down, but would like a finer grass that still looks green in the Houston "winter". One of my neighbors has this kind of grass, so I will ask him for more info as well.

I think you are talking about rye grass, which grows easily and fast - and stays green through the winter. However, I think it only lasts one season. I may be wrong. I always thought it was done just to have a green look through the winter, whcich means it won't last much longer now. On the plus side, I believe it is cheap.

[elnina]

^^^ You are right:
Since Rye does not survive the summer, it needs to be replanted every fall, in the middle of October. Rye grass stays a lustrous dark green until the middle of May, when it quickly dies off as temperatures approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

[westres1]

It is too late for Rye..you have to resod in Houston with St Augustine. It is the only grass that can tolerate the heat. You can buy patches at Lowes,Houston garden or order it from any number of grass dealers in the area. You rake out the dead spots, lay sand or peat moss and patch in with the sod. Keep it watered and it will look fine in a month or so.
Most landscapers will resod a portion or all of your yard. Not sure about cost.
Due to the fact its not Spring yet, I would wait and use weed and feed this weekend and see if your lawn revivies by mid-March. It is brown right now due to Winter.

[travelguy_73]

My neighbors have zoysia, which also has a fine appearance and doesn't seem to be as much of a water hog. However, it is very sensitive to drainage, meaning very good drainage is a must. St. Augustine is tolerant of our weather patterns, which is why it is so popular. Also be aware that if you have an HOA, they might dictate what kind of grass you have.

[caliking]

Thanks for all the responses. The info is much appreciated.

I have heard about zoysia, but it may not be for me since my land has a lot of clay in the soil and drainage does not seem optimal.

I thought about resodding, which would take care of the most bare patches, but the front overall looks scraggly and I thought reseeding might be a better option. I imagine that resodding the whole lot would be quite an undertaking, not to mention expensive to boot.

Has anyone reseeded their own lawn recently? Any recs for services that do this?

Thanks again!

[ethanw]

Do it know while is still cheaper than few months from now. Go with St Augustine. A good price will be around $80-$100 a full pallet with install included. After you put it down hit it with some "Lawn Starter" to build some good roots and you're good to go.

[Svensk08]

Note to the OP --

Save yourself some money and hard work -- most of the rules for green lawns and thriving gardens in other parts of the US simply don't apply here. Before doing anything to your lawn or landscape, please do some research on the types of lawn grass and plants that are best for our area and how to care for them. Talk to management at locally-owned nurseries (not chain stores). Google Randy Lemmon's website archives (he's a local horticulture guru who has a weekend radio show). Read books written specifically for gardening along the Texas Gulf Coast and nowhere else.

[caliking]

Originally Posted by Svensk08

Note to the OP --

Save yourself some money and hard work -- most of the rules for green lawns and thriving gardens in other parts of the US simply don't apply here. Before doing anything to your lawn or landscape, please do some research on the types of lawn grass and plants that are best for our area and how to care for them. Talk to management at locally-owned nurseries (not chain stores). Google Randy Lemmon's website archives (he's a local horticulture guru who has a weekend radio show). Read books written specifically for gardening along the Texas Gulf Coast and nowhere else.

Thanks - I'll look up Randy Lemmon. I figured whatever I know about lawns/grass in the midwest doesn't apply here in Houston, which is why I appreciate the help provided by the good folks on this forum.

[caliking]

Originally Posted by ethanw

Do it know while is still cheaper than few months from now. Go with St Augustine. A good price will be around $80-$100 a full pallet with install included. After you put it down hit it with some "Lawn Starter" to build some good roots and you're good to go.

That's a price I can deal with, and maybe the most painless (for me at least). I'll look into that option with my lawn guy.