Question
We just bought a home in Irving, TX and have never cared for a yard before.  Some houses in our neighborhood have gorgeous lush thick lawns of St. Augustine.  I am inspired to get our lawn looking good and don't know where to start.  There are so many different things growing in our lawn that I'm not sure what's grass and what's weed.  I'm not even sure what kind of grass is currently growing...looks like a blend of different types (bermuda, st. augustine).  What's the easiest way to get a homogenous lawn of just one grass type that is nice and thick with no weeds?  Is it going to require a complete overhaul or can I seed the desired grass type and hope that it eventually overtakes all the undesirable growth?  Also, what type of grass is best for this area?  Our lot has a lot of trees but with the trees trimmed up properly, all parts of the lawn should get some sun.  We also have a dog and want to know what type of grass is also best for tolerating lawn burn from dog pee (or whether there are any other lawn burn solutions).  Any help would be appreciated!  We are lawn-dummies and have never even owned a lawnmower until this week!  Thank you!

Answer
Hi neighbor;
I live in Irving too.
I have st. augustine. I had burmuda when we first bought this house. the st. augustine will crowd out the burmuda, eventually.
Meantime, the burmuda fills in and you don't get stuck with huge bare spots.
Get on an organic program, right away!!!
I have put nothing on my lawn for the last 8 years but table sugar.
I use baking powder disolved in water for fungicide. It does better than all the chemical fungicides I used to apply once a month, and I only do the baking soda to new growth. son I spray my roses in the spring, after new growth starts, and again after we have a rainy spell, IF we have a rainy spell in Irving.
I have no weeds, because weeds like poor soil, and the beneficial microbes the sugar nourishes, works round the clock enriching the soil. I apply 1 pound per 250 sq.ft of lawn, and water it in well.
If any weeds come up, they don't get big enough to see, or if they manage to do that, they soon die out, and go away, so I don't pull weeds anymore.
I have no insects that are pests, because the toads, lizards, and grass snakes, and beneficial insects eat them all.
I have some really plump lizards. One I call Arnold Swartzenlizard, because he is REALLY beefed up. LOl
I spend very little time and very little money on my lawn, and have the best lawn i have had, EVER!!
I have no black spot on my roses, no fungus on plants ot grass, and my st. augustine is thick and a rich green.
I use no chemicals inside my house. i grow the herbs to keep them out, and that also gives me some nice container plants.
A grow Rosemary, and put a piece about 1 inch long on each pantry and cabinet shelf, and a piece about 2 or 3 inches long under each appliance in the kitchen and laundry room, and in the bathroom vanities, and toss one in the corner of each closet, about once a month.
i grow a container of lavender at the entrances to keep houseflies out. I also use lavender oil in the house. I use it for relaxation. the smell of lavender will help you relax and get a better and more sleep. A drop or two of lavender oil, rubben between your palms and rubbed on a stuffed animal, will quiet a fussy baby in just a few minutes.
Rosemary is also a relaxing scent.So is mint.
Lavender repels some other insects too, and basil helps repel fleas ( if you have dogs or cats)
I get cedar oil from the Real Health store on Irving Blvd, by home depot. I paint a line of it on each clothes rod in the closets, and along the baseboards,to keep out moths etc.
Write anytime you have a question.
For landscaping plants, I recommend Calloways and chamber's nursery, on Shady Grove, near Beltline.
Calloways guarantees their shrubs and trees etc, for 2 years. Other nurseries guarantee the for only one year.
chambers are good eople to do business with, knowledgable, and they carry a good selection of better quality plants, as does Calloways.
Charlotte