I cannot keep my backyard grass growing from year to year

Fra28272136
by Fra28272136
Each year I re-seed my tiny back yard grass, loosen the soil, fertilize, water, etc. The grass grows and thrives for a couple of months then thins and dies, by the fall I'm almost down to dirt. I live in Long Island. Can you recommend a seed that is hardy and will grow, I'm also considering sod

  7 answers
  • Lyn Lyn on Feb 10, 2018

    I would check with your local extension agent or master gardener group....they can recommend varieties for your area. (I'm a master gardener, but I live in Texas, a very different climate!) They also should be able to help you figure out why the grass dies out each year. For example, how deep is the soil... 4 - 6 inches is recommended...are you mowing at the right height for the grass you seeded... etc.... Good luck!

  • Amblingbrook Farm Amblingbrook Farm on Feb 10, 2018

    i agree that checking with your extension agent is a really good idea. also, how much shade do you have? if you're not getting enough sun, the grass seed will germinate, but the grass will die from lack of sun. there are shade grasses that you can try, but even those need some sun. also, are you trying to grow grass under a tree? some trees put out inhibitors that prevent grass from growing. your extension agent should be able to help with that

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Feb 10, 2018

    Have your soil checked and see if perhaps you need to amend it with something that will help it grow better and last from year to year. Perhaps it is missing something nutritionally to keep the roots healthy.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 10, 2018

    ok so big question what grass seed are you using, what was the procedure you did?I live on long island and ran a garden center

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 10, 2018

    You should check with your local nursery or University Agriculture Extension program to see what kind of grass grows best for your area, amount of light, and soil conditions. Your obviously using the wrong grass. Here on the coast we use a Pacific Northwest Coastal Blend, and the stuff is hardy as heck. I have a different grass, fescue on my shady side. You could also send in a soil sample to see if there is anything to make the soil better.

    You could go with a landscaping company to install the sod and maintain it. That way if it dies, its on them to replace it. Make sure you get specific instructions for watering.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Feb 12, 2018

    Get a soil test done before you spend any more money! Contact your local County Agricultural Extension Office. They have soil kits for around $10.00. All they do is work with people and their gardening issues. It's free.

    There are so many things that could be wrong, from the soil, to sun or shade, watering, even the way it's mowed - Not only the wrong type grass. Call them.

  • Fra28272136 Fra28272136 on Feb 12, 2018

    Thanks all good advice I will get the soil analysis