Looking to the experts here! Need advice on what the best route is for growing grass in our field behind our hangar that is constantly being hovered over in helicopters. We’re located up in Campbell River BC and the boss is hoping it can get done over the summer, mainly to fill in some patches of dirt where we levelled off the yard. Already paid $4000 for hydro seed and it doesn’t seem to be working. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
by Chin2Chest247
8 Comments
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If a helicopter is hovering over I suspect it’s going to blow the seed or hydroseed away. Might have to go with sod
Can you land somewhere else or on another side of the field until you get some roots going?
Remove all the grass and put turf 😂 nothing will get grass going over the summer with helis coming and going. Best thing to do is get sod. Or use sod plugs everywhere so it spread thru multiple summers.
If you really want me to be specific here:
1. test soil with a soil ph test kit (ideal range is around 6-7)
2. mow everything as short as you can with whatever you use
3. with all the weeds I see, I’d use a herbicide, then wait two weeks after spraying
4. mow again, dethatch if theres moss or you see bunch of debris and stuff compacted into it, then aerate (this one is very important)
5. level with topsoil: I mix my own in a large quantity, 70% being high quality topsoil, 20% compost (making sure its super fine and no chunks), and 10% sand (only do this if you have clay soil, and only use coarse sand like builders sand). This is where you can also add amendments to get the soil in the ideal ph range
6. after that you can sod (very expensive) or you can spread seed (find a seed thats good for your local area).
7. If you’re gonna use seed, after using a broadcast spreader, I use a compost and peat moss spreader, and fill it with topsoil and go over everywhere I spread seeds. It covers the seed with just a small amount of soil to keep it moist but not make the lawn uneven. You could also try hydro seeding again if y’all wanted to but you’ll still need to do the following.
8. get erosion control blankets to cover the area while grass grows to protect it from rotor wash.
9. Since it’s summer (early fall and spring are best times to plant sod and seeds), you’re gonna have to water it multiple times a day to keep it moist. You don’t want it drenched, but to keep it from drying out. Since it’s summer, expect some places to not grow so you’ll have to replant more seeds.
10. Do not mow until its 4-6 inches tall
11. fertilize
12. I recommend keep it a minimum of 3 inches to protect the soil from being blown away from constant helis
Since diverting the flight path isn’t an option, seed and sod are out.
Maybe hydroseed?
Good Luck With That Project.
Another issue could be the exhaust gas could be hot enough to kill off the grass. Not sure how high they’re hovering but I know the new presidential helicopter has issues with burning the grass at the White House