Rock Hard Soil Suggestions to Make More Porous

Mon May 30, 2011 2:51 pm

Hi Guys,

I am wanting your expert advice on a lawn that has rock hard soil.

I have seen people get a load of sand and spread a thin layer over the entire yard but I don't want to smother out my grass.

(or) would it make more since to aerate the heck out of it. I've had it aerated a couple of times but it didn't seem to make much difference.

I of course am wide open for you suggestions.

Thanks

Mon May 30, 2011 3:07 pm

Most likely you have lots of clay in your soil. If you do not want to break up the lawn and replant a small amount of sand my help, try putting a little on at a time and water it in. I never did it this way so I am just talking.
The only way I know to do it is to till in a bunch of sand and compost and then replant.

Mon May 30, 2011 5:10 pm

Have you read the Sticky in the Lawn Care Forum? Several of the posts deal with soil quality; maybe some of the suggestions will work for you.

Incorporating organic material (e.g., compost) helps both sandy soils and clay-ey soils; both textures and drainage qualities are improved.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9