HELP!! Backyard is a disaster! quick cheap fix?

Question

We have a 1/4acre lot and the backyard is a disaster. The dogs have completely ruined it to the point where it is just compact dirt. We are moving and need to make it pretty again, but don't have a lot of $ to fix it. We are also short on time. Please help with any inexpensive suggestions or ideas?????? Thanks

Answer 1

Mow the lawn at 3 1/2 inches long at properly trim around the house and trees and fill in any holes that the dog dug. If you have a week or two plant grass where there is none and cover with peat moss. You efforts will be returned with a higher selling price. If you know someone, also have the trees pruned.

Answer 2

You will have to put down new sod. Do it yourself to save money.

Answer 3

First off, if at all possible, keep the dogs off the yard until you move.  Fill in any big holes.  Maybe get some potted bushes to plant in the perimeter of the properly for a quick fix.

Mow what you can with a mulching mower.  If it is really ALL just compacted dirt, then go to your local (small) hardware store to rent a small/medium sized cultivator and give the yard a once-over.  (very good exercise).  If you can, it would really help to spread a couple bags of good topsoil or compost across the yard before you cultivate.

Get some grass seed with about 1.5x the amount listed as being needed for your yard's square footage.  Dispense the seed as listed on the bag, just put it on a little thick.  The best type for you in the NW to get is a mixed fescue, make sure to choose the right type of sun/shade to fit your property.  Then get some "new seedling" fertilizer and apply as listed on the bag.

You should probably have to water the yard lightly about 2-4 times daily, but you should have a nice amount of new grass coming up in about a week.