Leveling out a St. Augustine lawn w/ sand

salacy – posted 20 February 2004 08:30

I have a large lawn that was sodded over rough, uneven gumbo soil during construction. I would like to level the lawn by spreading sand which I think would also help to break up the gumbo.

Is this the best route to take? Would a different soil mix be better? What time of year is best to do this? How much sand can I put out (how deep)? Will this affect my fertilizing mix or schedule?

Thanks.

Dchall_San_Antonio – posted 04 March 2004 00:06

One cubic yard of sand per 1,000 square feet per week will not be a problem. Be sure to sweep it in with a push broom. I doubt if it will make any difference to the gumbo. Organic fertilizer is the only thing that will change the stickyness of the soil. I use corn meal because it is so cheap at the feed store. It costs less than 1/6 the cost of commercial branded organic fertilizer and it works great. Apply at 10-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Also water deeply and infrequently to soften your soil.