We moved into a new house in November 2011 and I planted some sod from Lowes the very next month. Last summing everything was looking good. Then this year I have had nothing but problems in both the front and backyard. We live in Oakley California and it gets very hot, dry and its a VERY sandy soil.
I water regularly and fertilize but cant seem to have a dark green lush lawn anymore. it is a very light green and were starting to get dead spots.
I'm thinking maybe I don't have enough nutrients in the soil and the ground is too compact towards the top and the moisture is not staying.
I have been thinking about aerating it and overseeding with seed and then topping it with a peat moss to try to hold some moisture in.
Is this a bad Idea?
The sand we live in does get VERY compact just from water. and when the water does drain through it, it dries up quickly.
any help would be appreciated.