Should I start all over again?

19 years ago

My pathethic long lawn story starts with our decision to put in an inground pool. I knew very little about lawncare then but I did know that I would want to replant the grass in the fall. We signed the pool contract in August of last year with the promise it would be completed in October of last year. It was completed in June of this year. Therefore the grass would have to be planted in late spring. My husband ordered what was supposed to be the sandy loam that was going to backfill the pool. It is a weekend house so we were not here when it was delivered and backfilled. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was not loam but more like clay. Everyone told me not to worry, grass will grow in it and my husband did not back me up when I wanted to have the whole thing redone. I brought the soil to my extension office and they confirmed it was terrible soil with very little organic material. I got a whole truckload of compost and had it mixed into the soil. I then planted Kentucky Bluegrass seed in late June. As I am sure you have already guessed, my lawn is full of weeds. There are some sections that look decent, but the majority is crabgrass, plantain, and one nasty looking weed that grows very tall. I have now read about three books on organic lawn care and I know much more about amending soil and what it takes to grow a nice lawn. What I don't really know is it worth it to try to continue to amend this soil or should I spend yet even more money and have everything ripped out and buy new soil. The soil has definitely improved with the compost and the life that has grown on it but it is mostly superficial improvement. It is still very much like clay when you dig deep. Also, given that I planted in very late spring, was I destined to have weeds regardless? Therefore my question is, should I just kill the current grass/weeds, do a comprehensive soil test, and amend appropriately or should I spend a ton of money and rip it out and start all over (I also might need a recommendation for a divorce lawyer if I go this route).

Thanks!

Jen

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Comments (5)

rcnaylor
19 years ago
Well, if money is no object for whatever reason, go the Cadillac route and put in a loam soil.

But, all I've ever had to work with is a heavy clay soil and I've had very nice grass for about 20 years. It is just a matter of learning how to treat it and work with it best.

Planting in the spring the second best option, summer third. Less grass, more weeds.

Now that you have armed yourself with a good working knowledge of how to overseed to best effect, I bet you can come up with a fine stand this fall.

Good luck.
jenniferemily
Original Author
19 years ago
Money is definitely a consideration. I just wasn't sure if in the long run it would be cheaper to replace the clay with loam considering how much amendment the soil will need. I think I have decided to keep the soil and just overseed as opposed to killing the grass. I really do not want to use chemicals on the lawn and there are some patches that have very little weeds in them. I am going to mow the lawn very low, aerate, add compost and starter fertilizer and then slit seed. Do you know if it is a problem to the existing grass to pile compost on top of it?

Thanks for your response.
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bestlawn
19 years ago
What I don't understand is receiving something other than than what you ordered and paid for, then keeping it. Sounds like false advertisement, an awful misunderstanding, or you didn't receive what you paid for. Maybe I missed something in there but wanted to point out the possibility you may still have recourse.

I don't see having to fight the soil for the rest of forever. Incorporating organic matter is something you will have to do anyway, but how much amending will this soil need? If you can achieve the ideal concert of clay, sand, and silt, then why not do it now? Just till in what isn't already there. I think this is one instance I would recommend tilling because the soil is new as it is. Additionally, you get to kill two birds with one stone by turning over the crappy lawn rather than having to kill it off with chemicals. The answer to your question is yes.
jenniferemily
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks bestlawn. I have read a lot of your posts and I respect your opinion. We did argue with the excavator that provided the soil. He said he would refund our money if the grass did not grow. My husband doesn't want to fight it anymore as he doesn't see much of a problem with our lawn. His opinion is as long as its green and you can walk on it - what's the big deal.

So I will mow the grass low over a few days, add the appropriate amendments after I receive the results of the soil test, till it all into the soil (including the existing grass), lay down grass seed and water according to the instructions I have seen provided here. Do I still need to slit seed since I am tilling?

Thanks!!!
User
19 years ago
Do I still need to slit seed since I am tilling?

Nope, although you could if you really want to. I'd just rake the tilled stuff gently to open little furrows, spread your seed, then lightly cross-rake it to close the furrows over the top again.

Also...clay can be fun. Here in eastern PA, my "soil" is pretty silty clay. You can't quite throw a pot from it, but close. Until you get organics into it, water infiltration is slow. On the up side, it hold nutrients like nobody's business.