I have this patch of dirt between the sidewalk and street that gets minimum sunlight. When it rains it turns into a pool. I’m also concerned the lack of grass/absorbency is allowing water to run off towards the house – the side stairs are showing signs of sinking.
My plan is to get the side walk graded away from the house and lay down sod. I have never handled sod and don’t think the current base is going to work.
I’ve heard contractor sand as a base with sod on top could work. I’d like to put a layer of base versus breaking up what is currently there, but if I need to do that let’s hear it.
by Sensitive_Nebula2208
5 Comments
That massive tree is the boss of this landscape. It’s creating a condition we call “dry shade”, where the tree canopy blocks the light and the feeder roots suck every drop of moisture out of the soil before grass can get it.
The water is pooling because that soil is compacted into concrete, not necessarily because the grade is wrong. You need to fix the structure, not the height. Get a manual core aerator and punch holes all over that strip, avoiding the big roots, to let water actually penetrate. Topdress it with a half-inch of fine compost to get some organic activity back in there. If you absolutely need something green, skip the sod. Plant tough, shade-tolerant groundcover like Mondo Grass or Liriope. They can handle the shade and root competition, and they won’t require you to bury the tree’s feet in sand.
Definitely needs new seeds
Does anyone know why it’s so popular to plant massive trees like this so close to homes? They are beautiful trees but this doesn’t seem the right place for them for safety and for growing anything else. Not that this little strip where the roots are is that useful but I’m sure those trees are entirely shading out people’s yards and their ability to grow anything else.
Ground cover, not grass it will not work there
Where do you live?