The thickness of the layer will vary from lawn to lawn. The 'how to' included what type of sand works best. However, hard clay soil could prove to be a challenge for grass which is the reason homeowners and gardeners are frustrated when it is difficult to turn a plot of clay soil into beautiful greens. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Our Top 6 Picks, The 12 Best Chipper Shredders For Composting [And 1 To Avoid]. The short answer is yes. The grass will grow through. Are high school sports in need of radical reform? So what i would do is buy some environmental safe grass/weed killer and kill the grass first, then put more than ground level top soil over it, just in case it rains :s. now just sit and watch the grass grow back!!!! Food for thought? When the soil is not prepared correctly and a sufficient base is not installed, you will see weeds and grass growing through asphalt within a few months, weeks, or sometimes only a few days. The grass never really grew here. To save money on gas should take my neiboors gas cans they set outside for their mower and use them? Adding topsoil to these areas can help with those drainage problems. If the compost has been hot composted, then it’ll be free of weed seeds. Get your answers by asking now. If your new grass has established a good root system, it will grow through with no problem. Compost Balls: Why Is My Compost Clumping? Of course, if you make it yourself, it’s free, but most people don’t generate enough waste to produce large quantities. When we were redoing our lawn, we found lots of conflicting information on the web about whether we should be using topsoil or compost for laying grass seeds. The terms topsoil and compost are often used interchangeably, but they’re very different things. You can sign in to vote the answer. Topsoil is the layer of soil that lies between the surface of your lawn and the subsoil. Combat any weeds and grass growing through asphalt by using a long-term … The new layer of topsoil will allow the roots to anchor well, and the compost will supply much-needed nutrients to feed the grass as well as protecting it from hungry birds. Remember, fill dirt is normally used to add stability to your yard or project. - Warren Buffett? If you are thorough in your raking, you will remove 95% or more. To fix this problem, it’s best to apply 3-4 inches of topsoil before you lay the seed, then top dress the new seeds with compost. To grow grass from seeds, till the top layer of soil and mix in fertilizer that is specifically formulated for grass. There was a whole 'how to' on it, but i can't find it on my bookmarks. I read on 'gardenwebforums.com' once where someone leveled out his entire yard with sand, little by little i believe, but with sand, and the grass grew right through it and it worked. To fix this problem, it’s best to apply 3-4 inches of topsoil before you lay the seed, then top dress the new seeds with compost. It will add bulk to your garden and provide a good base for long term healthy growth. Here's our view on the best worm composter money can buy today. After growing up on a farm in Ireland, she went on to study Chemistry and Environmental Sciences. You have to … Now for topsoil. Prepare the Site Before adding topsoil, grading the lawn ensures water will flow away from buildings. Also, unless the topsoil has been mixed with compost, there’s a risk it could be relatively inert. This is the healthy, nutrient-rich layer of earth that sits at the very top and consists of a whole lot of organic matter. I don't know if it would grow through, especially young grass not well established. Also, unless you properly level and compact the soil after tilling, you risk ending up with a very bumpy lawn. A more long term solution for getting past the problems of growing Saint Augustine grass on sandy soils is to replace the layer of topsoil on which the Saint Augustine grass will be growing for its entire lifespan. How Often to Top-Dress Trouble spots may need repeat applications, but regular, uniform top-dressing does not need to be an annual tradition. When’s the right time to prune a fig tree in central California. One thing that’s often recommended is that you wait until the grass has grown fully to topdress your lawn so that the whole thing turns out successfully. grass is just a nice looking weed, so would a weed grown through? Can you use potting soil to grow new grass from seed? It will be a waste of time and investment over time. When you add compost to existing soil, it can help improve things like the structure and water retention capacity. Veronica has also volunteered in many sustainability roles, including conservation efforts in Bangladesh and teaching Environmental Sciences to schoolchildren in Kenya. Add the 2 inches of top soil then reseed the area that you added the top soil. That'd give top soil depth (~1" plus turf depth (~1") plus additional top soil, which should give it a better base to grow from.