What is the best way to prep the soil before planting grass ?
I am having two large maple trees cut and removed from my backyard and the stumps grind. The soil in my yard consists mostly of red clay, what is the best way to prep the soil before planting grass ?
Answers ( 1 )
If the ground in the area is very loose, tamp it down well- you do not want to get grass established and then have the ground under the grass subside and create a dip in your lawn. If needed, dig down a half foot or so into the, now bare, torn up area, and then refill with commercial grade topsoil (from Home Depot, Ace, Lowes etc.), If you plant seed, mix it with topsoil and spread it on top, watering in lightly for the first week to two weeks. If you use sod, water the topsoil, then lay the sod and water it lightly daily for the first week, and every other day for the next week.
Do not fertilize for a month or more; most sod is already fertilized, and grass seed is usually coated with a fertilizer and a fungicide.