Q: My lawn took quite a beating this summer with all the hot
weather. I’m thinking about either re-sodding or planting grass
seed. When is the best time of year to do this replanting?
It’s garden question and answer time again!
You may e-mail me questions at: ga*******@*ps.net.
Or you can mail me questions in care of this newspaper.
For a faster, personal response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Q: My lawn took quite a beating this summer with all the hot weather. I’m thinking about either re-sodding or planting grass seed. When is the best time of year to do this replanting? I’ve heard conflicting information about spring being better than fall or right now is best. Can you help?
– J.G., Gilroy, via e-mail.
A: Believe it or not, right now is the best time to lay down sod or plant grass seed. Our weather is still somewhat warm, plus our fall rains will help alleviate all the watering you have to do with newly planted grass. Laying sod obviously gives you “instant” lawn. However, if you only need to replant small areas or do some spot work, definitely go with seed. The preparation work is much the same whether you’re laying sod or planting grass seed. You need to remove the existing grass, rake things smooth and possibly add organic compost and planting mix to make the ground level. Lawn rollers are also available for rent to eliminate soft spots that can add depressions in the lawn.
Q: Are grass clippings OK to use as mulch around trees? Again, I’ve heard conflicting information about this. Can you please clear this up, too?
– J.G., Gilroy, via e-mail.
A: You can use grass clippings as a mulch, but it’s better to compost them before applying. Not only will it look better spread throughout your garden and around your trees, but grass clippings can sometimes act as a barrier that water has a hard time penetrating if completely dried out. To compost grass clippings, mix with leaves, branches, stems and other garden debris, and place under a cover, such as black plastic. There are also many composting bins and tumblers on the market that will speed up the process. You need to turn your compost pile for air circulation and also add water when necessary to speed the process.
Q: Dichondra is taking over my lawn. I have used Scotts Turf Builder Plus 2 Weed Control, but the dichondra hasn’t died. Can you please tell me if you can help with my lawn?
– Y.G., Hollister, via e-mail.
A: Spray with Ortho’s Weed-B-Gon. This will kill broadleaf weeds, including dichondra, without harming the rest of your lawn. This spray can be applied using either a hose-end sprayer or compression pump sprayer.
Keith Muraoka lives and works in Gilroy. He has written his award-winning column since 1984. E-mail him at ga*******@*ps.net, or write him at P.O. Box 22365, Gilroy, Calif. 95021.
