Lawncare help

[Nova316]

My parents lawn looks like complete crap, I know it'll take a while to get it to look good again but any advice would help before I call one of those lawncare companies to take care of it, or if anyone knows any good companies they would recommend.
Thank you in advance

Here are some pictures

I think it needs to be completely overhaul of herbicide

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/th_Lawn2of3.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/?action=view&current=Lawn2of3.jpg)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/th_Lawn1of3.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/?action=view&current=Lawn1of3.jpg)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/th_Lawn3of3.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/Nova316/?action=view&current=Lawn3of3.jpg)

[Voodoo Chile]

in addition to fertilizing, often throwing a layer of good soil over top of grass can bring it back to life. Rake it around and let the grass come up through it.

[freshprince1]

The basic steps to rejuvinate this lawn:

1) Aerate extensively.
2) Overseed (put down new seed all over lawn). It doesn't hurt to put a ton of seed down. This lawn needs a lot.
3) Top dressing - Spread out a nice layer of good soil on top of the grass about 1/2 inch thick.
4) Water everyday for two weeks, then keep on a regular water regiment.

Unless you have major problems (i.e. soil acidity or mineral depletion) this should give it a nice boost by the end of the year. Look for better results next year.

[lint]

^^^ soil amendment. My wife looked into that as some neighbours have had it done and their lawns looks great. Looking at your lawn I would highly suggest calling Green Drop or some lawn care company. Ours was in similar shape after last year's dry summer and the weeds were terrible. We've had green drop spray for weeds/fertilize this year, wife has put down some small scale soil amendment in the patchy areas, and with the help of the crazy amounts of rain this summer our lawn is looking good. Once the grass is healthy it will help choke out the weeds. I think our green drop deal was 5 treatments for $250ish

[BigMass]

call Lando