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Lawn Care - Help!

Andrew.wilson2307Andrew.wilson2307 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi, I'm sure this type of post has been raised on many occasions but I would love a bit of advice please. I have recently moved back into a rented property and both front and back gardens (lawns) are in a bit of a state. There are large clumps of tall grass as well as short lush grass and bare patches as it has not been getting cut, also dozens of massive dandelions. 
I would like to get it back into a nice condition but I'm a bit of a beginner. 
So far I have mown it twice, applied off the shelf weed and feed around one month ago, carried out scarification (blade attachment, mainly to help level the clumps if this makes sense) and Monday 11th I applied some Weedol as the there were still a few dandelions. 

I think they are now almost ready for some seeding as it is so patchy but I don't know where to start really as far as method and type of seed etc. I live in County Durham and both lawns get a good amount of sunlight (proven by the lovely condition of several neighbours lawns), relatively dry for the North East but clay based deeper down. It is also raised slightly. 

I really should have asked for advice before I started but I was desperate to make some inroads before I thought of asking the experts!  I have attached a couple of pictures of current condition and any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Posts

  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Its up to you on the quality of grass seed you want , if you want a good lawn it be best to start again. Its more the case of over seeding and top dressing and keeping the  ground moist until the grass is established . Any unwanted grass dig out , ideal time when you over seed the entire lawn. 

    You can top dress with top soil mixed with sand and a bit of compost , depending on your soil conditions you would mix more sharp sand / compost on clay soils , or no sand on sandy soils etc.

    If the lawn gets waterlogged spike the lawn first and top dress with a very sandy top dressing or just sharp sand and brush / rake around the lawn into the holes. Then over seed and a light top dressing . 

    Some people just mix some seed up in a bucket with compost and spread that around instead, I do this sometimes for patches that need sorting 
  • Andrew.wilson2307Andrew.wilson2307 Posts: 3
    Hi Perki, thanks for the reply. I was wondering if you overseed for a couple of years would that eventually overtake the grass that's already established? It looks as if there is a couple of types in there already. When you say dig out do you mean totally remove the existing grass down to bare soil? I would like it to eventually be all growing at the same rate so it doesn't look tufty between cuts. Thanks again
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Yes if it rough grass / Broad leaf grass like Yorkshire fog dig it out entirely roots and all, these types of grass will out complete better / fine leaf grass like fescue and Bents dwarf rye etc. 

    Overseeing is a common practice when dealing with lawns it will improve the lawn overtime.
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