What Attachment/process would work best?

[Cyberroc]

I recently dug and then refilled a trench of good size which ended up with left over dirt surrounding the area. After a recent rain followed by high temps I now have quite a bit of hardend dirt embedded into the lawn scattered over an area covering more than 100ft.

So I am wondering what the best attachment or process would be to get the dirt up without ripping up all of the lawn that its embedded in?

First thoughts were to either just drag a rake over it (6' rake with my CK35) or trying to mow it and break up the dirt enough to just disolve into the lawn with the next rain. I have a power washer that I can use for small stuff, however it would take way too long on the larger covered areas.

I am ok with some loss of lawn, however I really don't want to pull all of the sod up and replant the entire area. I am already having to re-seed the trench covered area, but would rather not reseed another 2x the amount I am alreadying having to.

Thoughts?

 

[3RRL]

Don't know what would do what you want without taking some lawn with it. If it was me, I would go ahead and use the rake then re-seed that area too. Just bite the bullet as you are already re-seeding the trench part anyway.
I've used a broom when the dirt is still fresh, but it's too late for your hardened spots.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Sadly, what will work best, and actually save a lot of grass, is the mark one rake powered by the mark one human. I find that VERY annoying.

 

[Cyberroc]

Sadly, what will work best, and actually save a lot of grass, is the mark one rake powered by the mark one human. I find that VERY annoying.

WAIT!!! you mean I can't sit in the seat of my Tractor and do it? That's crazy talk...
.
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[jbrumberg]

Don't know what would do what you want without taking some lawn with it. If it was me, I would go ahead and use the rake then re-seed that area too. Just bite the bullet as you are already re-seeding the trench part anyway.
I've used a broom when the dirt is still fresh, but it's too late for your hardened spots.

I agree with 3RRL. Save your back and get some seat time. You still have to reseed and do at least some physical raking . Jay

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've used one of these to do essentially the same thing as you're trying to do.

# 51-#61-#62

 

[Cyberroc]

# 51-#61-#62

Yeah, trying to save the lawn not start from scratch...

However you did give me a great idea, what I need is sort of a thatcher attachment to pull/fling the dirt from the lawn. The closest thing I have in full size is still the 6' rake, however I do have star arraitor and I believe a thatcher for my mini (normal user size garden tractor).

Unless there is an attachment for such a task, I may have to result to pulling it up or running the rake over it. I do plan to try the mini attachments before the rake though, I may just need to test out my options in small area's at a time.

I do plan to angle rake over the trench to give a more even 'mound' at least until the earth in that area settles.

 

[Wombat125]

Without having seen your lawn, I'm afraid the best device for your situation might be a sprinkler system and/or a good rain.

 

[Cyberroc]

Without having seen your lawn, I'm afraid the best device for your situation might be a sprinkler system and/or a good rain.

That was actually my first choice if it were not for the trench being right in the middle of the issue. I am trying to crown it by the weekend so it will settle as close to the current grade as possible (and quick). If I turn it into mud, I would then have to wait for it to dry all over again before I could touch it.

I will take another look at it tomorrow after work and see if I can't get some pics up, and thanks, if all else fails I think I will wet it before tearing up the lawn even more than it is. I will just have to wait until I get the crown over the trench.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Yeah, trying to save the lawn not start from scratch...

However you did give me a great idea, what I need is sort of a thatcher attachment to pull/fling the dirt from the lawn. The closest thing I have in full size is still the 6' rake, however I do have star arraitor and I believe a thatcher for my mini (normal user size garden tractor).

Unless there is an attachment for such a task, I may have to result to pulling it up or running the rake over it. I do plan to try the mini attachments before the rake though, I may just need to test out my options in small area's at a time.

I do plan to angle rake over the trench to give a more even 'mound' at least until the earth in that area settles.

You don't have to use the pulverizer as a "ripper". Support the weight with the 3-point hitch, allowing the pulverizer to just barely make contact with the surface, using the tines as a rake of sorts and the roller to flatten clods. I've used mine to repair areas where a new sewer line was ran. I pulled dirt off of existing sod without doing much harm. After a once-over with the pulverizer and then a good rain, the existing turf areas looked just as they did BEFORE the ditch went through. And the surface of the filled in ditch were then ready for seeding. That was last fall. You would be hard pressed to find where the line went through should you look now. I KNOW where it's at and have a hard time finding the ditch line.

 

[Cyberroc]

got it, and good to know.

I will swing by the rental place this afternoon to see if thay have one.

Thanks!!! That was just the info I was looking for.