fixing my yard

WIZARD130775 – posted 07 October 2005 15:27

I will be planting a new lawn this weekend. We have a new construction home and a really weed infested and patchy lawn at the moment. The weeds look like a typw of grass but grow in large circular patches outward. the roots are deep. We have Extremely hard red clay dirt here in Raleigh, NC. I am told that the nutrients are all in the soil but the soil is way too compact. I would like to purchase topsoil and spread it out over the existing weeds, etc. and replant fescue. I am worried that the weeds will come up through the new soil and choke my new seed. My question is. Will the weeds die or thrive with a layer of soil on top of them? How much screened soil do I use? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

AMCalla – posted 07 October 2005 16:07

HI there.

Yes, the weeds will most likely thrive and grow through the topsoil provided that they are winter hardy. Since you are doing the lawn this weekend, it is too late to spray killer on them such as Round-up. I would at least scalp the existing vegetation before laying the topsoil. You may still have weeds, but you may not have as much.

As far as how much top soil to put down… since you have hard clay, I would think as much as you can afford and can fit on the yard. A couple or 3″ at least. Also top dressing with compost will help a lot as well, but that can get kind of costly.

Aaron

WIZARD130775 – posted 07 October 2005 16:13

Thank you! I have not ordered the dirt yet. I will spray crabgrass killer on everything and spend the weekend digging up all of the bad plants! if you have other advice I will be glad to listen.

claude raintree – posted 20 October 2012 13:02

well i watch Doc Martin. It’s the best solution, i find to all my problems. He’s the most congenial, and charming personality on the plannet.