Question
Hello Charlotte,

We rent a home, and the lawn was not taken care of by prior tenants. The front yard has some greenn spots but has some large areas that are very thin, patchy and brown. Also, the front area has a bid tree that's roots are practically above ground. The back yard (a very small space) is all brown and has almost no grass (brown or otherwise) and it gets a lot of sun. Our landlord said all we have to do is water it daily and it will come back. I've never cared for a lawn before. What do you recommend? We live in Northern CA. Should I just water it (daily?), or should I do anthing in addition to bring it back to life? Thank you!!!

Answer
Hi Crystal;
Get enough sugar ( table sugar like you sweeten your tea with) and put it down at the rate of 1 pound per 250 sq.ft. Water it in well. I water to a depth of at least 6 inches. This deep watering encourages a deep root system, and that protects against heat, cold and drought damage, and prevents thatch.
The sugar nourishes beneficial microbes that enrich the soil. Rich soil grows grass and everything else, except weeds. Weeds love poor soil, and will not thrive in rich soil, so when they soil is nice and rich they will dfie out, and you won't have to bother about weeds.
DON'T use ANY chemical fertilizers, weed killers or fungicides on the lawn. Go with organics and you will have a nice lawn without the expense or labor of using chemicals.
Read some of my answers in the questions archives about organics.
There is all the dope in there about proper watering, using the sugar and why and all that stuff.
Also, feel free to write to me if you have any questions you feel I can help with.
I will help you have a nice lawn, and have the time to enjoy it, instead of spending all your time working on it.
Charlotte