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wrote:
My lawn is looking pretty bare... through semi-neglect and LOTS of
kids playing on it. I am trying to tune it up this year.

3 weeks ago I applied Scotts with Halts.

Lots of dandelions popped up this week... have knocked them back down
with spot treatments... (I think halts doesn't kill dandelions.. it is
for crabgrass)

Anyway, we have had good rain over last 3 weeks... and small parts
have really shot up... but most of it is still thin.

Would another shot of fertilizer (3 weeks after initial) at this point
help? I can't put down new seed to help.. as the Halts would prevent
it from germinating.

First it would help to know what part of what country you are located as
advice for Fargo NC would be way off for Dublin Ireland.

Assuming upper Midwest US.

Don't go with the programs suggested by the fertilizer companies. They
are in business of selling fertilizer, not making good lawns. They want to
kill weeds (even if it also damages the grass) and make the grass green
FAST. Doing so often does as much damage as good.

I agree with the others. That Halts product will keep grass seed from
sprouting.

I suggest you contact your local county extension agent and ask them
about a soil test. They can direct you on how to accomplish that cheaply so
you will know what kind of fertilizer, if any, you lawn needs. They can
assist you in deciding on a care plan. I suggest that you plan on using
this summer to work on getting to soil straightened out. Make sure the
acidity is correct also.

Come fall is the time to address reseeding or other work. The best time
of year in most areas to seed a lawn is the fall, not spring.

Remember this. If the bag tells you to use X amount of the product
every year at a given time, it is bad advice since every lawn may need a
different amount and mix of products. Also remember that most anything that
will kill weeds, also can damage the grass, if not kill it. You best
defense against weeds is healthy grass.

Finally NEVER cut the grass too short. Many people think they have
putting greens, your lawn is not a putting green and cutting it like one
will just damage it and make it look bad.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit