Question
All of my sod died, Do I have to take it up or can I try to seed it net planting season for my lawn?I live in fort washington maryland and I need to know best lawn seed for warm. hot and cold seasons,What is the best fertilizer for clay poor soil.? please help  claire toles

Answer
Hi Claire,

In Maryland, I'd definitely recommend Tall Fescue.  You are in a transition area and TF is a great in between grass.  It can handle heat pretty well, but also does well in cooler seasons.

You will need to remove the dead sod.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Asking for the best fertilizers for clay soils is sort of like asking for the best food to turn a frog into a prince.  Aside from the mythical magic kiss, it's just not going to happen.  Your soil is a frog, and no fertilizer will turn it into a prince.

Before starting over, I'd highly recommend amending the "frog" soil thoroughly with several inches of good quality topsoil.  Put down several inches and till it into the existing stuff.  Then, go ahead and re-sod.

Without fixing the soil, I fear you'll be repeating the same problems over and over again.  Sod can get expensive.  I don't think you want to take the risk of losing the next batch.

Good Luck Claire.  I hope it works out well.

-C.J. Brown
www.TeedandBrown.com