That is about it isn't it? Well actually a large number of homeowners just want grass and it should only grow to two inches in height and stay that way all summer and fall without mowing or fertilizing or aerating or..... well you get the idea.
Lets begin with grass.
I have decided over the years that it is a lot easier to sow grass everywhere and when you determine where you want trees and/or flower beds etc. dig the grass out exactly where you don't want it. Have you ever tried sowing grass seed with a spreader and keep it out of the areas you don't want any grass?
With few exceptions the property has been run over five hundred times with at least one kind of machinery, heavy of course, and the concrete trucks weigh 35 tons and have those big fat tires to keep them from sinking in wet soil but they beat that yard of yours into pavement and grass and trees and flowers cannot grow in that stuff.
You will need to work the soil to a depth of at least 5 to 6 inches in depth after the dozer operator does a finish grade, notice I said after. I like to use a fairly good sized John Deere tractor with a roto-tiller on the back. If the soil is depleted, as most of it is in sub-divisions, you need to work some humus or some old fashion cow or horse manure that has been laying in a pile for a few years, don't want to get your neighbors too excited right off, and a good fertilize. I don't buy the expensive stuff for this, I go to a farm store and buy some 12-12-12 farm fertilize.
Roots of the grass will work down into that lovely soil and get a good grasp on that good stuff and if you spread seed yourself it will germinate in 3 days with proper moisture. Spread straw on the yard too. I know, the birds seem to be out there eating your grass seed but lets just think that they are eating the wheat out of the straw and leaving your good seed alone. Plan on spreading at least 50 pounds of seed on a half acre lot. Check for the proper seed to sow in your locale.
Don't worry about the straw killing your new grass because before you know it you can't even see it.
Mow the new grass when it reaches about 3 inches. It will be thin for the most part but cutting it makes it hardier and grow faster. If you don't get rain you will need to artificially water it if you want a good yard.
TREES
None in the yard now. Take the plot plan of your property with the house footprint on it to a local nursery or large Garden Store, not Home Center. They will, for a small fee do a simple layout of trees, shrubs, flowers etc. for you, use it for a guide. We change our minds after one or two growing seasons and may want different plantings. Plan for shading the home in the heat of summer. If you like evergreen trees use them for wind breaks and winter cover for the birds. Be careful not to select trees close to the house that are going to interfere with the building.
SHRUBS
Please keep them away from your foundation and sides of your home. Two feet into the yard is not going to hurt anything and everything is easier to take care of later.
Plan your plantings for scent in the evening and for bringing the butterflies and birds into the yard.
FLOWERS
How I love flowers. There wouldn't be much grass if my wife would let me plant everything I want to. Start your flower beds with different varieties of Annuals then each year plant more perennials when you find what looks and grows best where.
You can have a beautiful landscape in a short few years. Don't hurry into planting everything you think you want even if you can afford it. Leave spots open for annuals so there is a different look each year with very little effort. You may be trying to start a family or already have small children. Plant some flowers anyway, those little hands need to feel that soil and smell those flowers. Teach little ones to only touch lightly and smell and drink in the beauty of everything around them, this is your LANDSCAPE.
You will certainly have many questions about plants and everything that goes with them. I can help you with a lot of it and if I don't know I will surely find someone that does. In the meantime just send an E-MAIL if I can help in any way.
