Sanding Bermuda

lawnboy – posted 16 April 2004 14:31

Hello, I am planning on “sanding” (e.g. leveling)my Bermuda lawn and would like to run my proposed plan by the group.

BackgroundThe grass is 2 year old Bermuda sod, currently 50% green, just fertilized with Scotts Weed and Feed, Atlanta area, 7’500 sqft, fairly well established in good growing shape. Been fertilizing and controlling weeds regularly. Will be cutting with Tru-Cut reel mower.

Plan1- End of April, scalp off growth.2- Core aerate and rake/remove plugs.3- Spread lime and fertilize.4- Apply 1/4″ top dressing of quality top soil. Rake smooth.5- Apply 1/8″ sand to fill imperfections.6- Water like crazy.7- Approximately 2 weeks later, re-sand.

Would like your input/suggestions/comments!!

ted – posted 16 April 2004 19:16

not real big on the scalping thing- can really cause damage to the existing turf. aeration in the spring can bring on a whole set of turf problems like weeds, etc. you say you’re liming- is there a reason for liming? really need to soil test it first- you may have other nutrient issues you’re not addressing, and you may be overliming your lawn. sounds like you’re a pretty hard core homeowner!

cohiba – posted 17 April 2004 12:19

Scalping is a danger because the crown can be damaged and turf loss could occur. There will definitly be turf loss with aerating,but the greater good should be looked at. The topdressing with soil and then with sand concerns me. Layering could occur and cause water and nutrient infiltration issues. Why not use a sterlized sand top dressing for the whole thing? Topsoil will surely have weed seeds and what else? Look for a pre/post crabgrass treatment after all is said and done. I would not topdress again until the turf has recovered 100% and the summer stress period is behind us. Nutrient issues should be addressed with a soil test. Who knows what you have there now? We test every three years wall to wall at the course. It changes only slightly dependant on our management practices. But a soil test will get you and keep you on track.

Just my 2 cents….

Good Luck and take it easy on your back!!!

Lawnboy Again – posted 21 May 2004 09:40

Took your expert opinions and followed your directions.

Everything is working great!

The aeration worked well and did not cause an damage. (maybe some very slight browning, that recovered in 2-3 days.)

The soil test came back just fine.

The sterlized sand worked great- no visible weeds, and it filled in perfectly.

Do have a few slight imperfections, but will address after 100% recovery.

Thanks guys for all of you insight!

trm – posted 13 June 2004 16:04

Lawnboy, where did you get your sterilized sand? I have always used riversand from a local landscaping store. I have actually never heard of sterilized sand, is it playground sand?