Hello. About 4 years ago, my grandfather's ditch was dug up by the city to install a brand new sewer line. According to him, it rained very hard somewhere in the middle of this process, and some of the sewage contaminated his front lawn. Within 2-3 weeks, all the grass in the front yard was dead. Nothing has been done to the yard since then to fix this problem, so I am looking for suggestions. This is in Southeast Texas.
My plan is to now test for calcium and magnesium to determine which type of lime we need to apply, since the pH is very low. After we get the pH up to an acceptable level and aerate the area, I was wondering if we could maybe plant some temporary grass seeds until we can plant St. Augustine in February or March.
I'm new to lawn care really, so this is a learning process for me. I would appreciate any input or advice!! Thanks!
type: St. Augustine, unknown variety
pH: 4.5
rain: 1-2X weekly
trees in area: 3 huge oak trees, shady area
The sewage spilled 4 years ago, so it should not be an issue now. Do a soil test. Texas A&M does soil testing. Most land grant colleges will do low cost soil testing. Your local extension service can probably tell you how and where to take your soil sample.
https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/webpages/forms.html
When you get your results you can start prepping the lawn by following the recommendations or adjusting the pH by adding lime and can prep the future lawn area by adding compost and manure. Use chicken manure since it is alkaline.
Add about 6-8 inches of compost and 1/2 inch of chicken manure. and mix it into 8 inches of your soil. You can plant a cover crop on it like winter rye or crimson clover on it.
St Augustine is a warm weather grass, but like most warm weather grasses it grows poorly from seed. It will be better to plug or sod instead. Plugging is cheaper and St. Augustine (get the dwarf not the standard) is a fast grass and it is one of the most shade tolerant.
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/arch ... gust2.html
source for St. Augustine grass in Texas. The turf farm staff can also give you some helpful advice in making the best choice for your area. Some turf farms also have educational materials on how to plant and maintain the lawn. Ask if they have that.
https://www.krturfgrass.com/infostore/ca ... ne&vid=All
https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/webpages/forms.html
When you get your results you can start prepping the lawn by following the recommendations or adjusting the pH by adding lime and can prep the future lawn area by adding compost and manure. Use chicken manure since it is alkaline.
Add about 6-8 inches of compost and 1/2 inch of chicken manure. and mix it into 8 inches of your soil. You can plant a cover crop on it like winter rye or crimson clover on it.
St Augustine is a warm weather grass, but like most warm weather grasses it grows poorly from seed. It will be better to plug or sod instead. Plugging is cheaper and St. Augustine (get the dwarf not the standard) is a fast grass and it is one of the most shade tolerant.
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/arch ... gust2.html
source for St. Augustine grass in Texas. The turf farm staff can also give you some helpful advice in making the best choice for your area. Some turf farms also have educational materials on how to plant and maintain the lawn. Ask if they have that.
https://www.krturfgrass.com/infostore/ca ... ne&vid=All