Not looking for a golf course manicured lawn or Kentucky Bluegrass beautiful just a smooth thick lawn weeds included. Here's the situation. We bought 3 acres of property near the lake. The snow was still there when we made the purchase. We just closed on the property Thursday so I went out there to meet a guy who is going to do some dirt work for me. The snow is gone and the frost is pretty much out of the ground now. So I walked the property where the previous owner had kept mowed. It's pretty rough and knobby going to be a rough ride on a riding mower. I think once more of the moisture comes out of the ground it might level off a bit.

I'll be mowing probably about 2 of the 3 acres. I guess my thought for getting things back in shape is to maybe till about the top 4 inches or so drag it smooth then seed and roll it? I'm thinking this should be done right now but due to circumstances of having dirt work done I won't be able to do it for at least another month so it might have to wait until next spring.

Am I on the right path of the process or am I totally off track?

Depends on how much you want to spend. Your way would be cheapest.

I chose to use a box blade and level everything out, taking the top 4-6 inches off. Then I had a fella come in and blow on topsoil/compost mixed with seed after I put in a sprinkler system. It was very spendy though.

Sod is another option, but 2-3 acres would likely be cost prohibitive as well.

Fall is the best time to plant grass seed. Adjust accordingly for your climate. Around here that's labor day or the week after. For you, Probably earlier.

I agree with Chellim, I would wait for early fall.

A job that big (3 acres) is ideal for a tractor and box blade but do you have access to one?

If your concern is that it is too bumpy, get a heavy roller and do a couple of passes. I mow and roll at the same time. Do it before the ground gets too dry and firm.

quote:

Originally posted by greco:
If your concern is that it is too bumpy, get a heavy roller and do a couple of passes. I mow and roll at the same time. Do it before the ground gets too dry and firm.

This was my first thought as well. The main concern is it's to bumpy. I thought of just rolling it first to see where that gets me. It seems to have enough grass and weeds and not many bare spots. I'd have to rent a roller. The ones I looked at online that you fill with water or sand will weight about 475lbs. I'm guessing you have to roll at least twice in opposite directions?

Baby doll sheep.

You either burn time, money, and gasoline, and get grass clippings, or watch sheep run around, and get lamb chops