Also if your dead set on treating yourself I can give you some info from OSU horticulture and crop science that will come in handy. The main issue with treating yourself out here is finding the right fertilizer. Most of what you buy from the store is a high content fast release nitrogen product. That combined with our rock and clay soil will always give mediocre results. Putting down some lime and iron in the spring along with a better grade fertilizer is the first step to a better lawn. It isn't rocket science, but can take some time and labor.