I have a couple of acres of "lawn" that needs some help. I had a septic system re-done and have some spots that got a little washed out before the grass seed took hold. The ground is a little lumpy now, and I think I want to spread a little topsoil around to fill the low spots/holes and reseed. Is this called topdressing? Anyway I think that's what I need to do. I have a FEL to move topsoil, but is there an easy way to fill the bare spots without destroying the existing grass? I was thinking that I'm going to have to drop small piles and hand rake. Is a landscape rake too aggressive for this? Or am I wasting my time with this patch job?
topdressing?
- Thread starter automech
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rickmacheske
Gold Member
I don't think you're wasting your time. I've used my FEL and my box blade but did it very slowly always keeping it high enough to just pull the top soil. I have ended by hand raking. If it's a big area it's always worth finding a way to stay in the seat.
If it's lumpy why not drag the box blade first?
If it's lumpy why not drag the box blade first?
rickmacheske
Gold Member
I don't think you're wasting your time. I've used my FEL and my box blade but did it very slowly always keeping it high enough to just pull the top soil. I have ended by hand raking. If it's a big area it's always worth finding a way to stay in the seat.
If it's lumpy why not drag the box blade first?
If it's lumpy why not drag the box blade first?
RobS
Super Member
I need to do the same as my "lawn" is very patchy and where ever there is a clump of grass it's a lump. I don't want to tear up the grass that is growing, just add to it and level/smooth some.
I've been thinking a section of chain link fence would smooth the fill out without pulling out the existing grass. The fill could be applied with the FEL (about my only mechanized option).
If/when you do this, let us all know what worked and what didn't
I've been thinking a section of chain link fence would smooth the fill out without pulling out the existing grass. The fill could be applied with the FEL (about my only mechanized option).
If/when you do this, let us all know what worked and what didn't
rickmacheske
Gold Member
I guess you grow real grass... Mine is not very thick. When I had a full thick lawn I would top dress it once a year with some organic matter (something that looked like top soil but was even a higher organic content). I can't remember the name of the stuff. I would always do it in the early spring. Here is what I did....
1. scalp the grass as close down to the ground as I could (probably no more than 1/2" left)
2. apply organic material
3. smoth organic material (hand rake)
Worked great and ended up with the best lawn in the neighborhood after about 3 years. Also, mine was the only lawn that didn't need to be watered in the summer every day.
My current house was just built a year ago. The builder did a terrible job with the landscaping. Basically, I have about 1/2 grass, 1/2 dirt and rock. I plan to harley rake the entire 2 acres that is cleared closest to the house and reseed after adding top soil. The field is much worse.
1. scalp the grass as close down to the ground as I could (probably no more than 1/2" left)
2. apply organic material
3. smoth organic material (hand rake)
Worked great and ended up with the best lawn in the neighborhood after about 3 years. Also, mine was the only lawn that didn't need to be watered in the summer every day.
My current house was just built a year ago. The builder did a terrible job with the landscaping. Basically, I have about 1/2 grass, 1/2 dirt and rock. I plan to harley rake the entire 2 acres that is cleared closest to the house and reseed after adding top soil. The field is much worse.
Bill_in_MI
Silver Member
I have had good results doing this by reversing my landscape rake and adjusting the top link so the tines kind of float without digging in. Otherwise, a landscape rake with gauge wheels would do the job. Best would be to rent a Harley rake and set the depth to low to work in the dressing, loosen the packed areas, and level it all.
