we have a very small urban back yard with about 25'x25' of lawn. whoever lived here before us kept it in pretty good shape, but i'm pretty sure they used chemical lawn fertilizers. so far so good this season (our first summer in the house) but i would like to do the right thing this fall and next spring in terms of fertilizing and to fill in the somewhat uneven level of the ground itself.

based on some reading, my only plan is to spread a BUNCH of fine compost over the yard this fall. will that effectively fertilize the lawn and also help to level out the soil? any specific recommendations for types of compost or additional things to add / look for? when should i do this (i'm in chicago, zone 5)?

THANKS!

-a-

That's a good idea. Did you check out the benefits of Corn Gluten? It's a good pre-emergent, and works great on lawns *if* you don't forget and put it on after you overseed in the bare areas....!

Oh well, we'll remember next year.

Compost should work great. Now would probably be the time for you to do it.

It will depend some on your location and soil type, but in many parts of the country lawns will do very well without addition of fertilizer if you always leave the clippings on the lawn. It is when you start hauling the clippings that the soil gets depleted, as you are taking part of the soil away every time you remove the clippings.

Yes to a mulching mower and spreading compost on the grass.
In the spring,put on corn gluten.