Topic: Pointers needed for hiring landscapers

[eigenvector]

Never had to hire anyone to help me with the yard, but this winter my lawn died (as did plenty of people in my neighborhood) and I just can't get it to come back.

I live in Seattle for Christ's sake, when your lawn dies, you did something wrong.

So I need to hire someone to replant my front yard.  Only trouble is I've never had to deal with them and don't know what to look for.  My first inclination is to just close my eyes and pick the first company my finger lands on in the yellow pages.  I haven't a clue what something like that costs - so I wouldn't be able to tell if they're lowballing or ripping me off.

[CycleRanger]

https://www.angieslist.com/
 

[flybox1]

You doing sod, or an overseed?

[eigenvector]

At this point I think I should just go ahead and rip out the old stuff.  Go with sod.

I've tried overseeding twice, once early spring, once a few weeks back.  Neither took.
I've raked out the thatch, more bare spots than grass.

I think the Japanese beetles got me and killed the roots.  I see a lot of that around my neighborhood, lots of round holes in the dirt where they came out once it warmed up.

But that's part of why I'd like to hire a professional - ask their advice and do what's recommended.

[74cb750]

Have the woman closest to ;you hire a contrator.
She will be sure to get it right,


and hire the cutest guys. 

[flybox1]

Living in Seattle, you likely have an abundance of evergreens, and they create an acidic condition, not particularly suitable for all grasses. If you over seeded with a fertilizer high in nitrogen, that can compound your issue.

Fix the soil, overseed, aerate regularly and top dress. Save your dough on sod. Your grass will come back. Besides, until it does, you have weekends free from mowing!!!

+1
If you go with overseed, better do it now so the roots have time to get deep enough to withstand Aug/Sept.
No need to thatch.  Just cut the lawn as short as your mower will safely take it.
Fertilize: Scotts Starter Fertilizer
Overseed: Scotts Pacific Northwest mix w the hydracoat.
Dress: Peat Moss.  1/4" - 3/8"
Keep it moist.  Water in evenings after the sun is off it.
Let the outer layer of the Peat Moss dry crust during the day...it'll be like an oven underneath to help germinate the seed, but it needs to be moist under there.  If the area is small enough, hand water it.  Sprinklers have too much pooling and runoff.
Winters are tough here.  Rain and moss.  Mine just came back.  Followed the same process.
dolomite lime is a good soil acidity reducer.