Lawn soil - Ask Extension
I have 2 Options from local dirt companies for my lawn, which would be better? The soil is so bad anything would be better. It was a holding area for ...
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Lawn soil #870383
Asked May 28, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
I have 2 Options from local dirt companies for my lawn, which would be better? The soil is so bad anything would be better. It was a holding area for construction equipment. Allso, how much is a soil test?
Thanks so much!
Michael
Option 1. 70% sand, 30% compost
Option 2. 70% compost, 15% greens grade sand, 15 peat moss.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
If the area was used for holding construction equipment, my guess is that the soil is badly compacted. Putting something on top of that is not going to result in a good outcome. Plants' roots will reach the compacted area and stop growing.
Furthermore, assuming the soil is clay (common in the Twin Cities), remember that clay+sand=concrete. Adding sand is not going to solve the problem.
My recommendation is to till the soil to a depth of about 9 inches, mixing in 6 inches of organic matter (compost and peat, from your suppliers second choice). I'd also wait until late summer to do this (unless you are putting down sod, which can be done now).
Here are some references:
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-01-31-does-sand-improve-clay-soil-drainage
https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar
As for a soil test, the price is $20:
https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
Furthermore, assuming the soil is clay (common in the Twin Cities), remember that clay+sand=concrete. Adding sand is not going to solve the problem.
My recommendation is to till the soil to a depth of about 9 inches, mixing in 6 inches of organic matter (compost and peat, from your suppliers second choice). I'd also wait until late summer to do this (unless you are putting down sod, which can be done now).
Here are some references:
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-01-31-does-sand-improve-clay-soil-drainage
https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar
As for a soil test, the price is $20:
https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
