Need some advice about my Jungle!?

If you asked me this as a customer I would suggest this:

You need to start from scratch.

- First call a fertilizer company and pay them to kill everything on the ground, reason I say call them is because they can do it without killing any existing trees.

- Then remove all the dead plant material (may require a tiller)

- Next if you don't mind the work, spread about 2" of new pulverized topsoil across the yard, don't use garden blends with mulch mixed in

- Then time to re seed. You can seed the old fashion way with seed and straw, but we prefer to use Scott's patchmaster (yes, even on large areas)

Note: You will need to complete all the steps quickly before new the dead weeds have a chance to return. Once the seed goes in it will get rid of about 80% of the recurring weeds, but if you leave the soil bare for a length of time it will grow back fast

You will have a much easier time getting the new grass to grown than you ever will getting all those weeds out.

At this point you do need to have your yard professional done. They will probably need to come back ever so often. Get two or three free estimates out of the yellow pages in the telephone book. Be sure to get a written contract as to what they are going to do for you. Also call Better Business Bureau before choosing a company.

Hang in there.....it can be done, but will take time.

Cats will take care of that mouse/rat problem in just a couple weeks. If your city allows outdoor cats, feed them half rations of cat food so they will go after the mice quicker. Later on increase their food. They will still keep your yard clear of mice/rats. Don't forget to put out water for the cats.

if its that overgrown u may want to enlist a professionals help ie "weed man" and "Weed Feed" will not deal with the bug problem u many want to try a pesticide (organic if u can find one) or consult a garden center in your area.

Ah - the joys of gardening, work, work, work, welcome to the jungle!! RScott