How to top dress Tiff 328

by Legacy post · 2016-05-11

joeearney – posted 13 March 2007 15:24

Can anyone give me advice about top dressing (putting down top soil) on Tiff 328.. In mid Feburary I removed all the thatch and scalped the grass. It is turning green and I plan to put new top soil down. How tall should the grass be when I put it on and how much, if any, of the grass should be above the new dirt. I’m in Fort Worth. I have about 3000 sq ft.

I have to install new grass in my back yard and I plan on sprigging, about 4000 sq ft. There is no grass there now. Should I try to stick with the 328 I have in the front (been there for 20 years) or go to 419 in the back, what’s the difference?

Thanks,

jo********@ho*****.com

[This message has been edited by joeearney (edited 13 March 2007).]

bentreel – posted 14 March 2007 14:42

Tif328 should be topdressed with washed brick sand, or silica sand. If you use top soil, you will be adding nutsedge, and other noxious weeds. On top of that the topsoil will cause layering, which will effect your percolation rates. If you are a homeowner, you might not have access to utility equipment, so I would use a drop type spreader and put approx .25 inch washed brick sand. Then drag it in.

The difference between 328 and 419 is the color and density among other things. 419 was developed as a fairway turf and 328 a putting turf. If you have any shade at all do not use either of these turfgrasses. They both need a Min 8-10 hours of good sunlight a day for good growth. If you have good sunlight and good air circulation in your back yard, I would go with 419. Good Luck to you.

joeearney – posted 15 March 2007 12:40

Thanks a million bentreel, I have sand on the way. I am a homeowner and have had 328 since 1984. Due to a recent pool closure I have to redo my back which has good circulation and sun. I have a tree in the front that is becoming a minor problem. The tree will go before the grass.

Again, thank you very much for the great advice.

jo*******@ho*****.com