The weather in the mid Atlantic region is notoriously difficult for growing lawn grasses. Rye and bluegrass often struggle in our summer heat, and southern grasses (Bermuda and zoysia) are not quite cold hardy, or do not green up until late in the spring. Also, most of the region is plagued by compacted clay soil and irregular rainfall, so that growing a decent lawn can be a major challenge.
Even in the best conditions lawn grasses require regular care, fertilizing, and water to look good through the year. Late summer is the best time of the year to do lawn renovations because warm days and cool nights (and more regular rainfall) are ideal for growing new seed.
Whether you are an organic gardener who wants a play area for the kids without using chemicals, or someone who demands a golf course quality lawn, the process to build a healthy lawn is identical from the start.