SITE PREPARATIONS

Add topsoil to achieve a total topsoil depth of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), after firming. Te soil type should be loamy sand, sandy loam, clay loam, loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam or other soil suitable for the area. To the extent possible, practical, affordable and available, incorporate humus (fully decomposed organic matter) into the topsoil.

Conduct a Soil Test. Te test results will give you a report on the nutrient levels, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), and pH along with recommendations on correcting any deficiencies. Following the recommendations may include correcting acid or alkalinity levels, adding soil amendments and/or adjusting fertility.

Whether you are replacing an area in an established lawn or starting a new lawn, proper site preparation is important for turfgrass establishment and longevity. "Te beauty is in the blades, but the 'action' is in the roots," is a good adage to remember when planning either of these projects.

Proper site preparation and soil improvement, before any planting takes place, will make it easier for the grass roots to penetrate deeply and evenly. Deep roots will make the lawn more drought resistant, a more efficient water and nutrient user, and denser as new grass plant shoots emerge. A dense lawn crowds out weeds and resists insects and disease.

Follow the steps below for a beautiful, healthy and trouble- free lawn:

Clear the site of all building materials (wood, cement, bricks, etc.), as well as any buried stumps, rocks, stones or other debris that is larger than 2-3 inches (4-5 cm) in diameter.

Rough grade the entire area to eliminate any drainage problems. Tis would include sloping the grade away from building foundations; eliminating or reducing severe slopes; removing soil from mounds or ridges; and filling in low-lying areas.

For large areas, use a tractor-mounted box blade to move the soil for rough grading or hire an experienced lawn care specialist to take on this step for you. For small areas, use a combination of hand tools, including shovels, hoes and bow rakes. Rough grading may uncover more debris to be removed.

Initial tilling, to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm), should be completed prior to adding any topsoil or soil amendments. Tis will control most annual weeds; alleviate subsoil compaction; permit a bonding of the topsoil to the subsoil; and improve root penetration and water movement.

TPI Turf News July/August 2017 For more information on lawn care and helpful “How to” tips, visit The Lawn Institute at http://www.TheLawnInstitute.org.

If amendments and fertilizer are added, work them into the top 3-4 inches (7 to 10 cm) of the soil.

Finish grade the entire site, maintaining the rough grading contours and slopes, using a tractor-mounted box blade on large areas or a heavy-duty rake on smaller sites.

Roll large areas with a lawn roller one third full of water to firm and settle the surface and reveal any low spots that should be filled to match the surrounding grade surface of the soil. For small areas, use a hand-held tool, such as a tamp. If time permits, allow the area to settle further with rainfall or by applying irrigation water. Level any high or low spots the settling reveals.

Te site is now ready for installation of the sod, plugs, sprigs or seed.

Follow the recommended installation practices and post- installation procedures to ensure your new lawn area is off to a good start.

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