Question
Hi Kenneth,

I have a problem in some areas in my lawn.My lawn gets trampelt on from my kids and thei're friends,so on these areas the grass has a problem growing.I live in IL.,Chicago area. the ground is very compacted in the areas my kids trampel on and the grass stayes short and has some bald areas.
How can I get my grass to fill out and have it growing again?
Yes,I know you are probely thinking I should keep the kids off the lawn. I promiss, I will try my best to keep the "Trampelers" Off the lawn.
Thank you soooo much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

Jeanette

Answer
Don't keep the kids off the lawn. what is the point with a lawn if kids can't play on it ? I sounds to me as if you need to core aerate. core aerating is done with a machine which is rented from equipment rental stores. you can also have a landscaper do it. the machine is heavy and bulky and two people to carry is recommended in addition to a pick up or an suv/van.

The machine runs like a walk behind gas powered mower and it pulls hundereds or thousands of cores of soil from the ground and deposit them on the surface of the lawn.

The cores which are removed, will help elivate compaction which will incurrage grass to grow deeper roots. deep rooted lawns also grow taller (root length = top length). It also permit oxygen, water and nutrients (fertilizer) to reach the root zone. it is one of the most beneficial horticultural practices you can perform on your lawn.

Do core aerating now or in early september (not during hot summer months).

Once you are finished, the lawn will look like 1000 dogs went on your lawn. the cores will break down fast (5-15 days) or you can pull them apart with the back of a rake if you like. You can also rake them off, but I recommend leaving them.

Once you have core aerated, fertilize the lawn. and if necerssary, spread some grass seeds. try to water the lawn daily until the new seeds sprout (e.g. 1-2 watering applications of 10-15 minutes each until germination).

When the grass germinate, gradually increase the time between watering and the amount of water you apply. the goal after 4-6 weeks is to water infrequently, but deeply  when you do water. e.g. such as once per week for 2 hours. this is the right way to water a lawn. During seed establishment, however, you must turn this advice "upside down" and water frequently and shallowly to keep the top 1/2" of soil consistently moist (required for seeds to germinate).

In your area, fertilize your lawn in late spring, early fall and late fall (memorial day, labor day and halloween). Avoid fertilzing during hot summer months.