I have a question, or questions, similar to Laminarman.
In general, I would like a decent yard, meaning smooth, limited rocks, green and relatively complete grass, etc. Not a golf course, or the care a golf course needs, but something reasonably nice to look at that doesn't shake your teeth out when you mow or turn your ankle when you walk.
The land itself is hilly, grows rocks much better than grass, is full of ruts, and grass simply doesn't grow (nor anything else, other than the rocks) in large areas. Very patchy. Very rough. Soil is very hard. Rocks ranging in size from driveway gravel (1/2" - 1") up to two-fists cover the area. Runoff has created large ruts. It is former pasture land with a house built in the middle. I would like to work in about 4 acres of this type of land around the house. And I almost forgot, the soil is full of tree roots as well. The area is northeast Alabama, sort of the tail end of the Appalachian mountains.
I know I need to do several things:
- remove or break up the rock
- break up the soil
- get soil pH to something reasonable (unknown at this time)
- smooth and groom for proper runoff without damage
- plant a grass that will grow, and get it to stay in place until it can grow and control erosion.
I may have missed some things; please feel free to correct or add to. What I definitely don't know is the best way to do these things.
How do I handle the rocks? I have heard and read about the Harley Power Rake, among others, but I neither know exactly what it does, how it does it, or if a model will even fit my Kubota. I also know it is expensive, and rental is probably a better option. How does a power rake compare to a tiller, or a harrow? What does each do? I know any of the above can help with the hard soil by breaking it up, but which really works well for this purpose?
Oh, lots of questions, so little time.
What is the best way to test soil for pH? And what are the remedies for extremes? (I do know about lime). Any recomendations on a type of grass to grow in this area? Combination sun and shade, slope and semi-level, drought and disease resistent, etc. From some of the patchiness I am seeing, I think I have a slug infestation as well.
I think I can handle the groom part; I have spent a fair amount of time box-blading the 900 ft of driveway and ditches.
I have been searching for a book and/or information on modern implements for CUT's, with a clear definition of each, it's use, how it works, how well or poorly it functions, how to use each, etc. I did purchase the Compact Tractor book from this site before I bought my tractor, but I am looking for something with more detail. Same is true for some source of information on landscaping this type of situation. Any suggestions?
I know I could hire someone to do all this, but I want to learn how to do it for myself (more uses for the tractor!). I also don't suspect I could afford someone to come in and perform this work. As it is, my expectation is this project will take several years, both for finacial reasons and, well, grass doesn't grow on trees, or something like that.
Lots of questions, I know. My problem is I know a little bit, but not enough to feel confident about creating a plan, new implement(s) purchase, etc. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
I almost forgot the most important part: Kubota L3000DT, 5 ft box blade, middle buster, and 5 ft finishing mower.
Thanks;
Bambam
In general, I would like a decent yard, meaning smooth, limited rocks, green and relatively complete grass, etc. Not a golf course, or the care a golf course needs, but something reasonably nice to look at that doesn't shake your teeth out when you mow or turn your ankle when you walk.
The land itself is hilly, grows rocks much better than grass, is full of ruts, and grass simply doesn't grow (nor anything else, other than the rocks) in large areas. Very patchy. Very rough. Soil is very hard. Rocks ranging in size from driveway gravel (1/2" - 1") up to two-fists cover the area. Runoff has created large ruts. It is former pasture land with a house built in the middle. I would like to work in about 4 acres of this type of land around the house. And I almost forgot, the soil is full of tree roots as well. The area is northeast Alabama, sort of the tail end of the Appalachian mountains.
I know I need to do several things:
- remove or break up the rock
- break up the soil
- get soil pH to something reasonable (unknown at this time)
- smooth and groom for proper runoff without damage
- plant a grass that will grow, and get it to stay in place until it can grow and control erosion.
I may have missed some things; please feel free to correct or add to. What I definitely don't know is the best way to do these things.
How do I handle the rocks? I have heard and read about the Harley Power Rake, among others, but I neither know exactly what it does, how it does it, or if a model will even fit my Kubota. I also know it is expensive, and rental is probably a better option. How does a power rake compare to a tiller, or a harrow? What does each do? I know any of the above can help with the hard soil by breaking it up, but which really works well for this purpose?
Oh, lots of questions, so little time.
What is the best way to test soil for pH? And what are the remedies for extremes? (I do know about lime). Any recomendations on a type of grass to grow in this area? Combination sun and shade, slope and semi-level, drought and disease resistent, etc. From some of the patchiness I am seeing, I think I have a slug infestation as well.
I think I can handle the groom part; I have spent a fair amount of time box-blading the 900 ft of driveway and ditches.
I have been searching for a book and/or information on modern implements for CUT's, with a clear definition of each, it's use, how it works, how well or poorly it functions, how to use each, etc. I did purchase the Compact Tractor book from this site before I bought my tractor, but I am looking for something with more detail. Same is true for some source of information on landscaping this type of situation. Any suggestions?
I know I could hire someone to do all this, but I want to learn how to do it for myself (more uses for the tractor!). I also don't suspect I could afford someone to come in and perform this work. As it is, my expectation is this project will take several years, both for finacial reasons and, well, grass doesn't grow on trees, or something like that.
Lots of questions, I know. My problem is I know a little bit, but not enough to feel confident about creating a plan, new implement(s) purchase, etc. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
I almost forgot the most important part: Kubota L3000DT, 5 ft box blade, middle buster, and 5 ft finishing mower.
Thanks;
Bambam