Never underestimate the value of careful soil preparation for your lawn. Remember that if you have prepared your site properly and improved your soil before planting, the grass roots will benefit since it can penetrate evenly and deeply. Thus, deep rooting will result in a lawn that is resilient against drought, more efficient user of nutrients and irrigation and denser grass. A denser lawn is stronger against weeds and resistant to diseases and insects.
The following are steps to ensure a healthy lawn:
1. Remove wood, cement, bricks or any building materials that is bigger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This includes buried debris, stones, rocks or stumps that are larger than the specified size.
2. Eliminate drainage trouble by rough grading the entire site. Also, fill low-lying sections, eliminate or reduce harsh slopes and slope the grade away from foundations of buildings. For larger areas, use a tractor-mounted box blade and for smaller ones, hand tools will be sufficient.
3. Till the soil about 2 inches deep before placing any soil amendment or top soil to control weeds. This will also improve the compaction of the subsoil, bond the top soil and subsoil and enhance penetration of roots and water movement.
4. Conduct a chemical soil test to conclude whether the soil needs any pH correcting materials. Soils with pH 6 and below are acidic and can be enhanced by adding lime. On the other hand, alkaline soils of pH 7.5 and higher can be improved by putting on gypsum or sulfur. Remember that the total amount and type of correcting material should be based on a reliable turf professional’s recommendations.
5. Use a starter fertilizer high in phosphate at a recommended proportion. This fertilizer should be worked into 3 to 4 inches of the top soil to avoid injury to the roots of the turf grass.
6. Grade the entire area again using the tractor-mounted box blade for large sites or heavy-duty rake for small sites. Remember to maintain the rough grading on slopes and contours.
7. Start using the lawn roller that is one thirds full of water so that the surface will be settled and firm. Rolling the site with the lawn roller will also show the low spots that need to be filled to match the grade surface surrounding it. If you have time, let the site settle more by applying irrigation water or rainfall.
Turf grass sod can now be installed. Remember that investing in good soil preparation will benefit you for many years.
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
| 