Help me rehab my yard please!

LaurLaurLaur

H and I just closed on our house this week.  We have no trees, no plants, bushes, etc. just a big rectangle of crummy grass. I have been assessing the backyard via Google and here is what I have come up with. (Mind you I have lived in apartments my whole life and have NEVER tended a yard/lawn/garden so this is all very new to me).

The yard has about an inch of thatch- so I think it needs to be dethatched.

I think it might need to be aerated. (Spike or plug?...I have no clue)

I have broad leaf weeds. Must die.

The grass is really patchy so I want to re-seed.

I also want to fertilize since I read early fall is the best time.

What I can't figure out is the best order to attack this list. What should I do first, second, third etc?

TIA

murmonster11

Honestly, I would see if you can find someone to come out and give you an estimate. We have been going through a lot of the same issues with our front yard, and have been trying to tackle it ourselves since early spring. After all this time, I feel like we aren't seeing any progress and it's taking up so much of our free time trying to figure out what to do. You could always do the aerating or that type of stuff yourself, but when it comes to chemicals and complicated stuff, I want nothing to do with it personally.

pdxmouse

Too mutch thatch isn't good for your lawn, but OTH, it's a big part of keeping your weeds down. I'm not a lawn expert, but I would maybe attack the weeds, reseeding and fertilizing first and then figure out the thatching and aerating. Any time you open new holes you've left a spot for weeds to get through (although it is necessary for overall health). Your extension service should have a question desk that can help you figure out the best time of year and methods. They might have a website with general guides tailored to your area too.

If you want garden beds, fall is a great time to plant perennials and shrubbery. It's still warm enough that plants want to grow, but you'll start to get good drenching rains so you won't have to water so much.

Do you have a local boutique-type nursery? Often they'll have design services for a minimal fee (or apply the fee to plant purchases). That might be a good place to start if you've never planned a yard. Bring some inspiration pics in with you. Sunset, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, etc are good places to look.