From dirt and weeds to an attractive native grass landscape

Melissa and Joshua's yard in 2024 and in August 2026.

The yard was filled with weeds in August 2024

Photo of the site before any preparation work was completed on May 8, 2025.

The couple prepped the site with a non-selective herbicide and removed the dead weeds before seeding with native grass on June 15, 2025. They also use above-ground temporary irrigation while the grass seed was being established.

Less than 20 days after seeding the site, grass began to emerge on July 11, 2025.

The grass began to fill in on July 21, 2025.

By July 31, 2025, the grass is mostly filled in. Melissa and Joshua kept the site clear of weeds by hand-weeding.

On Sept. 12, 2025, the lawn was lush and ready to mow.

After the first mow on Sept. 21, 2025.

Photo taken before spring mowing on March 18, 2026.

After the first mow on March 19, 2026.

The lawn starts responding to warmer weather on March 29, 2026.

The lawn had fully awakened from winter dormancy by May 15, 2026.

Melissa and Joshua's native grass performed well during this year’s dry weather and above-average summer temperatures. It now requires only one to two days of watering each week.