I have a new backyard. The contractor put new grass on the backyard back in May 2017 (almost 3 months ago). The color of the grass in some spots are no longer the vibrant green that was a month ago. It seems as the grass wants to die. When I cut the grass, the clippings of the grass are shorter now. The contractor spread fertilizer on the ground before he placed the new grass on top of the ground. My question is: Do I need to spread fertilizer on top of the new grass? I water the grass for 10 minutes every day with the sprinkler system early in the morning. We live here in Northern California where temps are in the 90's pretty much every day. Enclosed are a couple of pics. Thanks, Sidney
You will need to know the type of grass that your lawn is to properly care for it.
Check with the contractor for the grass species and the fertilizer that was used.
Once you have that information you can determine the care needed.
This link may help you.
A lot of the grass in my yard can easily be pulled out, roots & all. I have a lawn service, yet all they can tell me, is its the type of grass I have & that it will come back. There's no way this grass can come back if the roots are dead & the grass can easily pulled out. They did check for grubs & said there were done. What are your opinions on this?
I would take some samples to your County Extension Office and see if they can determine the type of grass you have.
They can also help you determine an appropriate turf for your region.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
This link can help you with the most common lawn issues.
I had several blue eyed grass plants that bloomed in my zone 5/6 Massachusetts garden just fine. But I was having trouble keeping them free of crabgrass, so I moved the largest one to a 15" pot in the spring 3 years ago. It made one blossom and then took over the pot with greenery. I brought it in covered for the next two winters, putting it out in the spring. It is lusciously green but has not blossomed in the last two years. What should I do differently? I am going to put it back in the ground next spring and try to fight off the crabgrass if I can't find an answer. The photo is the current status of the plant(s). Thanks
Two things come to mind. 1. the more sun it gets, the more blooms you'll have. 2. if it is in rich potting soil or fertilized, the result is often lots of leafy growth but few flowers.
Is this suitable to place in a compost pile?
Yes, it can be composted without fear of it growing from the roots.
Could you advise me on how to get rid of crabgrass in my lawn?
There are many herbicides that are specifically designed for your problem. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/crabgrass-control.htm
What grass do you recommend for Michigan? Drought resistant, low maintenance, Shade/Direct Sun?
The grass best suited for your area is Kentucky blue grass, oddly enough. Here is an article that will help:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/specific/kentucky-bluegrass/planting-kentucky-bluegrass.htm
I am looking for an evergreen ornamental grass for zone 7a and 7b. I would like a pink or purple. Muhly grass is one I am looking at. Thank You
Muhly grass would be an excellent option, since it is hardy in zone 7 and has the color you'd prefer. Planting it in well-draining soil can help it stay evergreen in the winter.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/muhly-grass/growing-muhly-grass.htm
Pink Pampas grass is another possibility. Pampas grass grows in zone 7 and is evergreen, and there is now a pink variety available. However, these plants can spread and become difficult to get rid of.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/pampas-grass/growing-pampas-grass.htm