The woodlands had been selectively logged of the large hardwoods about 20 years ago, leaving a lot of tall "lollipop" white and red pines, as well as many saplings. The area within 100 feet of the house had been completely cleared and grasses allowed to grow. I am now mowing that part and would like suggestions as how to create a more civilized yard. The woods have been left with the leaves down, but the dead branches and logs left by the loggers have been a problem, if they're in the way, I drag them out of the woods and burn them. If they are just in the way of a trail, I simply use them as trail borders.

My real question is how to civilize the cleared area. The part within 50' the house (which was largely sand, after construction) had 6" of topsoil, followed by hydroseeding. The rest, however, is simply wild grass with hummocks and hollows. Although I could have a landscaper come in with heavy equipment and smooth out that area, I would like a less drastic way. I'm thinking of creating a mix of topsoil, mulch, fertilizer, and grass seed (what kind?) and manually fill the hollows. If less than 3" is needed, I'm hoping the native grass that's already there will come through. I'm thinking about doing this now (in the fall).

Location: Northern NY in the Eastern Adirondacks.