Rejuvenating a lawn

scotd1 · Oct 23, 2003

A friend of mine has a front lawn (about 3/4 acre) that was cut down and leveled which exposed the clay dirt. He wants to get some top soil moved from the lower part of his property to spread over this area and work it in to try and improve the soil. He doesn't have enough to put a good layer on top to completely cap it nor does he want the overall level of the yard raised much, if any. I suggested working the top soil in with the clay dirt just so it won't be such a hard pan surface. So what's the best way to do this? Rip it with a box scraper then Till it? Or rip it and try to blend it in with a harley rake? Any other/better ideas?

Casimir · Oct 23, 2003

Probably the best would be to spread the topsoil evenly, then rototill it to mix the topsoil and clay. Adding some horse manure or steer manure before tilling will raise the level of organic matter in the top few inches, which will help to retain water and nutrients for the new grass. We have free horse manure, if you want to come get it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, but the hauling costs from VA may be a little high /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

tc35dforme · Oct 24, 2003

Sand is step one. You need to mix a great deal of sand into the hardpan / clay base to allow for some sort of drainage, otherwise the grass will rot from the bottom. Grass likes water, but not super wet roots.

I would then grade it properly to eliminate low spots and the dress the top with 4-6" of good quality loamy soil. Manure is great, but watch the acid level. You'll probably need a ton ( not a ton, but a lot ) of lime to sweeten the soil.

I wouldn't waste the loam by mixing it into the clay. all that will do is make a mess of clay heavy loam. Wet this stuff, and it will pack like cement and strangle the grass roots.

If your low on the loam and don't get a good thick layer, you'll never be able to water the grass enough in the summer.

jdmar · Oct 27, 2003

I put in almost 4 acres last year. Get the sand (it's relatively cheap), and till that into the clay with some manure, you can also add chopped/shredded/mulched leaves which usually many people will happily give to you. You may also be able to call your local municipality and get them to drop off free truckloads of ground leaves. After that is tilled together (or disc it) you should then spread the topsoil. I agree in the great comment about not wasting the topsoil by mixing with clay. I don't know where you live, but if it is in Northeastern Ohio I can point you to a good and affordable place for seed. And NO I don't get a "kick back!" Good luck.

JimMc · Nov 22, 2003

Be aware that while manure is a cheap and good soil amendment it can produce a lot of weeds in your new lawn, especially if it comes from a barn where the stock has access to "pasture"

have_blue · Nov 22, 2003

Here's what I would do:

I would disk it, plant ryegrass or alfalfa, fertilizing it well. When the greenery gets about 8-10" tall, sand it to a depth of about an inch, and disk or till it. Repeat if time and patience allow, but just one treatment will greatly improve the drainage and organic content of the soil.

falconry · Nov 22, 2003

Either sand or compost is a best to use for soil that has clay. I know most places have real problems with compost being weed free. Our compost at the nursery is pretty much that. It only gets weeds because it's rich stuff, not because it has seeds in it. Our compost is aged horse manure and hemlock shavings. We screen it and it's ready to sell. Remember to put lime down on your lawn every year. Lawns like a nice sweet (alkaline) soil and if you have moss growing, you really have an acidic soil problem. Liming and fertulizing will help a lot even if you don’t have moss growing. Rototilling it will mix everything in real nice, just don’t put too much sand, compost is better if you can find someone that sells compost with relaitvely no no or absolutley no weed seeds in it.

Blake
WA