I don't have an answer--but I DO have a suggestion! Post this over on the lawn forum as well--some of those folks are HEAVILY into machinery. Plus--they know pretty much all there is to know about lawn starting!

melanie

The link below is to an excellent thread discussing this subject. Solutions include: Soil ripping, rototilling several times with a large reartine tiller, handtools like pickaxes and garden forks for careful work around tree roots, and the addition of rich topsoil and compost, along with chopped leaves, straw, bark mulch, animal manures, seaweed or whatever organic additions you may have to improve soil structure and organic content.

I had a similar problem following construction at my home last year; the soil is now pretty good; I'm adding a layer of composted mamnur and dark bark mulch today to continue to improve it.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/restoration/msg0803460313927.html?1

Ginger

Thanks for the tips. :-)

Ginger,

I tried the link. Its the same as this discussion. Maybe you meant another one?

Eden

Eden-
If you read thru the linked thread it will give you ideas about equipment and methods; you did write "Since the labor is still working, I was wondering if there is equipment to do this." In this way, we don't have to type out all the information that is available to you by just reading the linked thread. I believe Ironbelly even has a photo posted there of his favorite piece of equipment for this job. Also look up "soil ripping' on google and you will find quite a bit of information on repairing damaged soil.
G.

I get it! I posted the wrong link. Here you go:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/restoration/msg011252548404.html

And a clickable link for cut-and-paste impaired...OR the just plain lazy!

(I'm feeling guilty for forgetting that thread, y'see...)

melanie

Here is a link that might be useful: EVERYTHING is SOMEWHERE on GW! Soil info...

Let's start at the beginning in an attempt to answer your question. What type of grass are you planning to grow?

Nandina wrote:

// Let's start at the beginning in an attempt to answer your question. What type of grass are you planning to grow? //

That's tricky because there is about 4 hrs of sunlight. The extension service did mention "Southeast Fescue," he also said, "No grass will grow in the shade." Any way I can't find Southeast seed which is supposed to come from "Landmark Seeds."

I was at the Home Depot and found Scott makes a Shade grass which includes Adobe and Crawling Red Fescue. To the crawling red fescue, my CE agent grimised and said RF is a terrible grass.

I use to think Zoysia was a good shade grass for Atlanta GA.

What ever it will be, it needs to be planted in Sept. or Oct.

Thanks all for your responses and links. Excellent food for thought!

Eden