Question
I live in Connecticut I'm planning on replanting my front yard.I'm renting a tiller to till my lawn then bring topsoil palnt new grass what type of seed should i use I have a big maple tree that covers my yard so it doesn't get a lot of sun when the tree has it's leaves in May thru fall  i also want to put down fertilizer should I use crabgrass preventer (I usually use greenview products the crabicide has The chemical Trebil in it so you can plant grass & it won't kill the grass seed) I was hoping you may be able to give me some advice on this also I have moss what is the best way to get rid of this.

                 Thank's,Kevin O  

Answer
Growing grass in the shade of mature maples are very challenging and is best done if you stem up the tree so lower hanging branches below 8-10 feet are removed.

Evenso, maple canopies can be very dense which can limit rain (water) and sunlight and the feeder roots of the tree is competing heavily for sunlight and water.

I recommend using fine fescues (shade mix). You can use the crabgrass prevent if you like (provided it is safe to use with seeding) but it is probably not necerssary if you bring in topsoil.

I recommend mixing the topsoil with the existing native soil rather than layering straight on top. Blend (till) it into the top 6-8" of native soil.

Keep seedbed slightly damp at all times (water frequently and shallowly such as every day for 10 minutes) but not soaked/saturated until the seeds sprout (germinate). Then gradually increase the time between watering and the amount of water you apply. After 3-4 weeks following germination you should be watering deeply and infrequently instead of shallowly and frequently.

Fertilize at time of sowing and again 4 weeks later. Then fertilize again in september and in late october. avoid fertilizing during hot summer months.

Mow frequently and mow high. Mow grass 2.5-3.5" tall.

Rake or blow leaves promptly in fall.

Moss happens in shaded areas which stays continously moist. Typically moss will only grow where grass can't. If you can grow your lawn after amending soil with topsoil then moss will be less of a problem. If shade is excessive, soil stays contistently moist so grass wont grow, moss will continue to be a problem. The only way to solve this will be to allow more light in and give grass the best possible growing conditions. Grass is much more strong than moss and will alwyas win competition provided conditions for growth is adequate, especially after you reworked the soil.

Note: although I say water infrequently and deeply, keep an eye on the lawn through summers heat. The oak tree will pull a lot of moisture from the soil and the rain may not be able to reach in under the canopy (dense leaves). In that case it may be necerssary to water 1-2 times per week with an oscillating sprinkler under the canopy of the tree. When you do water, water deeply so the soil is wet to a dept of 8-10" deep. Avoid frequent, shallow appliations because they only lead to decline and moss growth (such as daily for 10 minutes). The only exception is during seed establishment when you MUST keep the seedbed moist until germination.

I recommend mulching a ring around the tree about 3-4 feet wide. This ring sets off the tree, avoid mower damage to the trunk later, and ensures that you have a lot less problems. Grass grow very poorly right near the tree due to heavy feeder roots/compact soil. Making a barrier or ring around the tree 4 feet wide will make your job a lot easier in the long run.

Good luck.