Question
Hi Tom,
We live in Cary, NC and due to not being able to irrigate in the fall, we did not aerate or seed or fertilize. It is mid-March and our lawn looks yellow, and very thin.  I am applying a fertilizer with no weed killer today to green and thicken it.  What should I do for future months to try to keep it healthy if we cannot use our irrigation system.  I am just trying to stay on top of weeds with Weed-b-gone which is a nuisance but I was told not to weed and feed at the same time.  Is it crazy to even think about putting down any seed as we're entering spring?  I know it's alot of different issues... but any advice would be great! THanks!
Elizabeth

Answer
Elizabeth:

It sounds from your description that you are doing everything necessary to improve your stand of grass.  Seeding then applying a pre-emergent herbicide is counter-productive.  Perfect timing for green up and seeding.  Temperatures are perfect for germination.  Plenty of rain in NC now.  Don't worry about moisture.  Last year was a rare one.  I have only seen a few like it in thirty years of landscaping and farming.

A healthy lawn will take care of itself in a normal year.

Best wishes.