Recent rains re-green some Indy landscapes - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

As you walk out your front door this morning,you will probably notice that the recent rain has made a huge difference in your yard.  The color has probably changed from brown to green.

But the toll the drought took on your yard still means you have your work cut out for you, and you need to act now.

It may not be the most important thing in life. But a nice, green lawn sure can make a homeowner feel good.  So hopefully, this past week to ten days, the return of some green grass has improved your mood. 

We compared the grass at a park at 23rd and Alabama in Fall Creek Place five weeks ago - at the height of the drought - when it was completely brown.  Now, it's green and vibrant for the most part.  There are still some noticeable brown areas with dead grass, probably not unlike your own lawn. Now is the time, experts say, to start planting grass seed. 

Some brown areas may still be dormant.  But more than likely, you have some dead patches that need to be replaced.  Now is the time to take action, so that next summer you can have a yard worth envy. 

"There's always an option of wait until the spring to seed," said Brian Theiman of Gardens of Growth. "But the fall is the best time to seed and mother nature can take care of seed as well," he said. "So if you just let mother nature take care of the seed, you're better off seeding now than in the spring."

If you live in Indianapolis, you're still under a watering ban. So no lawn watering is allowed.  That makes growing new grass a challenge.  Experts say you're still better off spreading seed now and hoping for the best, as opposed to just waiting until next spring. 

"Slice seeding or aerating and over-seeding would be a good option," said Theiman. "And it's also a good option to integrate these more draught-tolerant type grasses into your yard."

What types of grass seed should you be spreading?  Kentucky Bluegrass and a turf type Tall Fescue are both recommended.