Question
I have went back through all your answers Tom, so I hope this hasn't been specifically answered before and I am bugging you with it.

I am in Clemmons, NC just west of Winston-Salem near center of State. It is a new home that due to drought had no lawn established prior to now. I have had to straw it so heavy, to cut down on the mud I have to clean off 12 paws every time my dogs come in, that there is no way I'll ever establish a lawn for keeping it smothered out. Still a lot of mud.

I did try about 2 weeks ago, right before this 1+ inch of rain came in, putting down a full 50 pounds of annual rye to try and get something going. I doubt it will work this late, but you would know much better than I.

I had a friend suggest blocking off 2/3 of the 8000 sqft back yard to keep dogs out and seed it properly. Maybe some oats and tall fescue together. Then, do sod on the first 1/3 so the dogs will have sod vs. mud to run on. And, just to explain, the dogs only go into the fenced yard for short periods and not as a living area, as they are indoor animals.

Ok, finally I will quit rambling and get to it. What is your advise? I love my previous results of lawns of Rebel III / IV. What is a comperative sod variety that I could go with. Most of all do you agree with the method of sod and seeding separate areas? I will sod it all if price is right, but I haven't checked into cost, frieght and doing it myself..yet.

Thanks in advance for your time and let me know what you think for this February issue.
-John

Answer
John:

Many questions to answer.  I will do my best.

Sod is quick and sure.  There should be a Rebel variety available.

Split plan sounds good if you choose not to sod the whole piece.  Sod work is hard and heavy.  Consider a professional installation. Should not be too expensive.

Sodding part of the dog run area is sound.  Make sure that the other part has sufficient time to grow before traffic is allowed.

February seeding is perfect.  Rye will have to be mowed low when seeding fescue on top.  It will dominate during early spring and impede fescue growth, but die in early summer.

Oats and fescue are good combination.  Oats act as nurse crop for fescue.

Also, consider topdressing whole lawn area with a high quality compost after seeding/sodding.  This will do many things, mostly provide nutrients over many years, good rooting and a biological substrate for soil development.  3/8" coverage is good, or one cubic yard per thousand square feet.

Best wishes.