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ᐅ Laying a Lawn – What Is the Best Approach? Any Tips?

Created on: 15 May 2019 19:43
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NOmex
Original post
Hello everyone,

Today we removed the topsoil layer (see below). Now I would like to ask about the final steps I need to complete before sowing the lawn.

1. Loosen the compacted topsoil using a motorized tiller and remove any remaining stones/weeds.
2. Re-compact the topsoil using a lawn roller.
3. Lightly loosen the soil surface with a rake.
4. Sow the grass seed.

Would you agree with this procedure, or should I do something different?

I also have soil activator and fertilizer. Should I work these into the topsoil? If yes, when?

Is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance

Regards
Jörg

Wooden terrace in the foreground, brown soil area, fields and trees in the background.


Empty construction site with brown soil, curb edge, soil mound on the right and fields behind.
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Deliverer16 May 2019 11:36
#13
Yes. At least not during the first three to four weeks. During the germination phase, the seeds otherwise dry out quickly and die.
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Nordlys16 May 2019 22:05
#14
NOmex schrieb:

So, I have this tiller available:

Viking VH 440

That is not a rotary tiller. Raking after that is too rough for sowing. Rake, sow, then roll. Either do not water at all and hope for rain, or water daily if there is no rain. Do not let it dry out. Young seedlings and grass do not tolerate drying out.
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NOmex17 May 2019 20:14
#15
I have a quick question regarding the preparation.

As shown in the pictures below, our topsoil has already been leveled using a small excavator. Should I still break it up completely with a rototiller and then lightly compact it with a roller, or would it be better to leave it as is and just roughen the surface layer with a rake?

PS: In some areas, you currently sink about 1cm (0.4 inches), while in other areas, the ground feels firm.

Thanks

Blick von einer Holzterrasse auf eine braune Erdfläche vor Felder, Bäumen und Hügeln.


Offene Baufläche mit Erdreich, rechts eine Baumaschine, Felder und Wald im Hintergrund.
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Nordlys17 May 2019 20:28
#16
I would not dare to judge that from a distance.
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NOmex17 May 2019 20:44
#17
Nordlys schrieb:

I’m not comfortable making a judgment on that from a distance.


Then I’ll ask differently:

How deep should the ground be loosened? During leveling, it was fully loosened and then compacted again by the excavator bucket, so now it is relatively firm.

I’m now concerned that if I only loosen the top 2-3 cm (1 inch) with a rake, it might not be enough.

What do you think?
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Nordlys17 May 2019 20:46
#18
When sowing grass seed, the soil needs to be moist but not waterlogged. Does the ground drain water well? If yes, raking is sufficient. If not, loosen the soil deeper using a rotary tiller or cultivator.