Many Questions - Crop Field to Lawn

Dynasty · Apr 20, 2019

I recently closed on a piece of land that I plan to build a home on.

From what I was told, it was farmed for many decades. To my knowledge, soybeans and corn were the crops that were primarily farmed with alternating crops every year. Most recently, soybeans were on the land.

The lot is about 6 acres (275' wide x 975' deep) and from the current status of the land, it appears no grass will be growing in on its own.

My main question is: How do I go about taking this land from crop field to a lawn?

The goal is to make the area in front of the home to the street a decent looking green lawn. This will be about 3 acres. The remaining 3 I plan to make it look more like a tall grass pasture or prairie. Being in Ohio, we experience a humid summer and cold winter. I would like something that is as little maintenance as possible.

I plan to check with the county to see if they can provide any information regarding soil conditions to ensure what type of grass seed will be best for my particular lot. I will also check with local farm suppliers to see what they recommend too.

I do not plan on doing much work until the home is completed this winter. Spring 2020 is most likely the start time for this project.

I do not own a tractor. I am on a budget due to the home building process, so I am considering a Ford 8N as a choice. Can this tractor get the job done?

What tractor implements are required for this job? Rake, blade, disc?

What is the correct process for a job like this?

This might be too big of a job for me to complete given I have no experience with this. I am considering hiring a local farmer that has the equipment and operating skills to handle this job, but am mindful of the cost.

I am open to all suggestions.

bcp · Apr 20, 2019

I am open to all suggestions.

I would have no more lawn than could be mowed in an hour. Then I'd have weekends for fun stuff.

Bruce

Dynasty · Apr 20, 2019

bcp said:
I would have no more lawn than could be mowed in an hour. Then I'd have weekends for fun stuff.

Bruce

Haha, that's what my wife keeps telling me.

What would be the best route for that? Have a small lawn around the house that can be mowed with a 21" self propelled mower? What about the rest of the property?

bcp · Apr 20, 2019

One hour of mowing with mower of your choice, from push-reel to zero-turn. Lawn size will vary with mower choice.

A field of foot high grass looks nice waving in the wind.

Bruce

bigtiller · Apr 21, 2019

My house was built on a knoll in a corn/soybean field. I tilled, spike harrowed and planted grass seed about 100 ft all around the house. The remainder of the 4 acres was tilled, leveled some and left alone. There is plenty of grass and other seeds laying dormant in the soil. If left alone, they will grow.

You just have to spot spray for any noxious weeds. By the end of the second growing season there was plenty of grass to mow but I wanted to try another type of grass. It grows about 10" tall in a really thick dense mat and falls over. It stays green and never needs mowing. I really like it and it cuts down on the mowing.

nyone · Apr 23, 2019

I would leave the front 40-50ft run completly wild. Natural fence from the street may be nice.

If its flat no real need for a tractor at all. Spread good seed and lawn roll it or drive over it. If you want a golf course theres prob better forums for that.

The time to plant grass is before your area gets the most rain.

Streetcar · Apr 23, 2019

Early fall is the best time to plant grass in Ohio.
With no experience, I would hire someone to smooth future lawn prior to planting
Check with odnr or county extension agent to see what grows good on remaining property

Summerlin · May 1, 2019

Definitely a rake at some point. Gotta get the dirt right before it can be a lawn. Discs might not be a bad idea before the rake. Just make sure you take your time getting the dirt right. If there’s any ruts or low spots, they’ll aggravate you every time you mow. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Also, you’ll need a good mower that you don’t mind operating, whether it’s a push mower or ZTR. Always remember that a nice lawn is 75% how you mow it. The worst field of weeds can look pretty darn good if you mow them well.

Dynasty · May 14, 2019

OP, here. Here is what is appearing out of the ground as of a few days ago. Hopefully this gives a better idea of what land looks like? Don't mind the dog, he felt the need to lay down right in front of where I was snapping a picture.

Other land in the area that did not appear to be farmed is significantly more green with grass.

Home is anticipated to be finished in the late fall.

I am still undecided if this is something I will take on DIY style. I have zero compact tractor experience so renting one for a week may not be the most efficient use of my money.