Hodor wrote:
Some good advice HHI but I would not recommend these people re-sod at this point. They clearly don't understand how to maintain a lawn, and that sod will be dead before the next round of dandelion season. At this point, it sounds like a generous dose of fertilizer, grass seed, and water water water will set them on the right track.
2-4,D. That stuff is magic. Also used by golf courses and farmers so don't be scared of using it. Just keep those little kid feet off of it for 24 hours until the next rainfall and you're set. Ask around as people have this hidden away - sold as Killex, Par 3, and other names.
But water. Water is the key. Your lawn needs water, more than you think. So water it.
True. We bought the house resale, and the lawn was pretty much dead when we moved in (it was November when we bought, January when we moved in, so we never saw grass until spring). We're between 2 schools and near "greenspace" (i.e. untreated town weeds), so it's kind of a losing battle. I'm not looking for the nicest lawn on the street, just one my kid can play in safely without needing protective gear!