We recently moved into a new home and I want to get rid of the artificial lawn we have in our garden as it's ugly and isn't good for wildlife.
I pulled up part of the lawn and this is what is underneath – no clear sign of sawdust or hardcore base to me, with some wildlife and grass sticking out.
Would loosening up this existing soil be perfectly fine before adding top soil and levelling it be enough prior to installing turf?
Any help is greatly appreciated
by fuelists
3 Comments
if its organic, you can just add soil. if its plastic, rip it out IMO
You dodged a massive bullet here since the previous owner was too cheap to install a proper crushed stone base. What you are looking at is heavily compacted clay that has been suffocating under a plastic rug. Seeing earthworms is a great sign of life, but if you just scratch the surface and dump topsoil over it, you are going to create a giant underground bathtub. Water will drain right through your new topsoil, hit that slick hardpan clay, and sit there until it rots your new grass roots.
To do this right you need to fix the soil structure before you plant. Rent a heavy rear tine tiller and chew that ground up at least six inches deep. Instead of just buying topsoil, get a load of straight compost and till it directly into that broken clay to force some organic matter down deep. Once you have a fluffy blended base, grade the yard so water flows away from your house and paving, tamp it lightly with a water roller so it does not sink leaving ankle twisting holes later, and lay your sod.
Pull it all up. Use a small tiller to break up the soil so it can get some sun and breathe. Till a good 8 to 10 inches deep, and this may require going over it more than once. You can rent a small tiller if you have a way to transport it from any local rental yard, as well as Home Depot or Lowe’s. Maybe a friend or family member has one you can borrow. Get a couple of soil test kits from a local garden center. It’s like testing the pool water and taking samples in various locations. Take samples from about 6 to 8 inches deep. Depending on what you want to do in the area, the main goal is to balance the PH level. Any amendments (such as Dolomite lime, Iron and Nitrogen, steer manure, etc.) need to be spread out fairly even across the soil and till in well to get a good mix. Even if you want to sod in the area, this will give it a good base. It’s not a very large area, and rolls of sod can be purchased at most garden centers. Just know the square footage before you go, and you may want to call in a day or two ahead of pickup to make sure it is available. You can read online Sunset Western Garden Book or other how to videos on the net if you have questions … or get in touch with me. It’s just a little work and easier than you may think. I believe in you and you can do it. Best regards