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Lawn seed #879631

Asked July 31, 2024, 3:41 PM EDT

We need to replace our septic system. The contractor who will be doing that will also put in the new lawn after. He plans to put down "2-6" of top soil, and a "contractors seed mix". Apparently it has a variety that comes up quickly and another that grows more slowly. Are you familiar with what this contractors mix might be and how nice it would be in our lawn? It will be in our front yard. Also, how is that amount of top soil? I assume the 2" is not so great, and the 6" would be pretty good ..??

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

I am not familiar with a "contractor's seed mix"  but apparently Home Depot and TSC sell such a mix (https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Lawn-Care-Grass-Seed/Contractors-Mix/N-5yc1vZbx62Z1z1p9rc).  Make sure it is the northern mix.  Looking online, I couldn't find out what grass species it contains, so I suggest going to HD to get the detail on grass species and % from them.  If the contractor's mix contains the same grass species as your lawn it should blend fairly well. 
Regarding topsoil, you don't want a layer of different soil on top of your soil.  The topsoil should be mixed in a bit so there is not a distinct layer between the soils.  Read the following article:
Shocking Truths About Topsoil-MSU
Some starter fertilizer should also be mixed into the soil before seeding.  More info on good lawn seeding practices in the attached links:
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Seeding & Sodding Home Lawns-UMN
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
Dick M. Replied August 03, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT
Thank you very much for your response!

On Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 3:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 04, 2024, 2:06 AM EDT

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