Trying to establish a new lawn

ArmyWife – posted 01 September 2004 10:43

Can you grass-gurus help me!? I live in Ky and have been trying to plant a new lawn all spring-summer. The problem has become that the entire yard is virtually clay, so when I’ve loosened the soil, planted and then added straw…when I water the soil goes back to being as dense as clay. What can I do? Is it too late this year to plant? I’ve heard that I should seed before the first snow and then the lawn will flourish in the spring??? Please HELP!!

ted – posted 05 September 2004 20:08

first of all , you’re trying to establish a lawn in the summertime- doesn’t work in your market- seed now- it’s absolutely perfect temps- use tall fescue- forget that spring snow stuff- been hearing that for 20 years- doesn’t work- as for the clay soils- unless your builder scraped all of the topsoil off- you’re probably not dealing with clay- have it professionally tested.

in**@pa**********.com











– posted 14 September 2004 17:33

add organic soil amendments to clay soils to help drainage & bring the dirt back to life!Use composted green waste, a mix of topsoil and amendments or nitrolized redwood/fir shavings.

Bes tto try this in late summer or early fall to get good sunlight, but not too much heat!good luck on the lawn!

Loli – posted 14 November 2004 09:45

For soil amendment, I highly recommend SafetySorb Zeolite. The small crops that I have growing in my garden have come to life after using their products. I’ve been doing research on that product, and it seems to have amazing results for golf courses as well. I was skeptical and purchased a small 10 pound bag. Skeptism aside, that zeolite is awesome as a soil amendment.

Ross Page – posted 17 November 2004 11:58

Army wife,All soil types can promote adaquate turf growth. The first thing that you need to look at is the variety of turfgrass to employ at your site. Courser textured turfgrasses have lower root develpment than fine grasses. therefore due to the soil being nearly impermiable means you want a turfgrass that is courser in texture. Establlishing the turf will be the hardest part. Do not apply too much water or fertiliser as a clay soil is nutrient and moisture retentive. As the turf establishes it will enter into the soil profile creating air pockets and will aid drainage therefore dry the soil out as long as you dont apply too much water.