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Preparing Soil for a New Lawn
from: SelfHomeImprovement.comAre you starting a new lawn? Perhaps you are moving into a newly constructed neighborhood or maybe you are unhappy with your existing yard and you want to completely rebuild it? Whatever the reason you may have for starting a new lawn, we are sure that you want to take all the necessary steps to make sure your work is productive.
Do you want to know what the most important thing is when it comes to starting a new lawn? It is soil preparation. If you have soil that is good condition, your lawn will be easier to keep up in the future and it will cost you a lot less money in the long run.
Prior to starting a new lawn, you should get the soil tested. The test will tell you what is needed to get you soil to the proper pH levels. Your soil may be too acidic or alkaline. Soil testing answers these questions and a lot more. You can take your soil to a laboratory to have it tested, or you can purchase a soil test kit yourself and test it in your own home.
The first thing you should do when starting a new lawn is to remove any debris from the yard. This includes stones, weeds and sticks. If you are redoing an old yard, you will have to remove the old grass.
Next, take a look at the growing area. Is it too high or too low in certain areas? Is it laid out properly to manage rain and water runoff? If so, this can be fixed by scraping or digging off any high areas and using the dirt to fill in any low spots or areas.
After you have laid out the lawn area to the level you want it, you should till the soil. The seedbed needs to be tilled to at least six to eight inches. You should till the seedbed in two different directions.
When you have completed tilling, you may notice that the tiller has brought debris and stones to the surface. Rake these out of the seedbed.
Any amendments that need to be added to the soil should be added at this time. You should also apply a lawn fertilizer to the soil.
After you have added your amendments and fertilizer, you should till the area again.
Next, you will need a lawn roller. If you do not have one, you can rent one at a rental agency.
Rake the area again.
Apply a light application of fertilizer, again, to the surface.
If you are starting a new lawn with seed, now is the time to spread the seed. Likewise, if you are starting a new lawn with sod, now is the time to install the sod.
It does not matter whether you are starting a new lawn from seed or sod. It should be roped off at this point to minimize traffic. You should also make sure that the entire area is kept moist so the seeds can germinate or the sod can establish its root system.
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