My Yard is Just Weeds?

Question:

I have a yard with just weeds -- I have very little money--what can I do? I live in the Western plain country -- water is expensive and area is very dry.

Susan from Wyoming

Answer:

Susan,

The best way to get rid of weeds is to make room for grass. Revamping your lawn doesn't need to be expensive, but it will take some time. Start by lowering your expectations for the perfect lawn. It might sound silly, but keep mowing your weeds to prevent them from setting seed. Set you mower blades to a height of at least 3 inches and strap on some aerating sandals while mowing your lawn. You can buy these for about $12.00 or make you own with pieces of boards and some roofing nails. Aerating will loosen compact soil and allow air, nutrients and water down to the root level, where grass needs it most. Depending on how large your lawn is you may be able to dig out some of the weeds by hand. If not, don't worry-just keep mowing and aerating. In the fall, rake your law with a metal rake and try over-seeding the area with buffalograss seed.

This is a warm season grass that will be brown and dormant during the winter months, and green during the summer. Buffalograss needs less water than most other grasses and grows well in Wyoming. It thrives in hot, dry locations and spreads by runners and seeds. It's low growing and easy to mow, but it does take some time to become established. Another alternative is Blue Grama seed. This grass is commonly mixed with Buffalograss and is quick to become established. If possible, spread a light layer of compost or topsoil over your lawn before you reseed and rake the seed in lightly to the soil. This past spring my yard was torn up due to some construction. Weeds took over quickly, and reseeding has had to wait until this fall. In the meantime, my yard looks pretty good (and green) as long as I keep the weeds mowed!

Ellen