Knowledgebase

Growing grass in fine gravel/sandy soil #913877

Asked August 13, 2025, 12:40 PM EDT

My yard is 50% grass. When house was built, the yard was covered in a very fine small gravel/sandy soil. What kind of dirt or fertilizer do I need to use for my yard in the beginning of spring for 2026?

Hillsborough County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Dear Nathan,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Infoline.

Normally, my first recommendation is to do a soil test so you know how to amend your soil for a lawn. However, based on your photos and the fact that you said that the soil is quite sandy, you may want to consider having top soil or loam added first and then do a soil test to see if any additional amendment is necessary. Adding top soil will likely be a big job so working with a landscaper might be warranted. I've attached a link to the NH Landscape Association.

Here is a link to our soil testing https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services

https://nhlaonline.org/find-a-professional/

Attached below are several other links that should be helpful. They discuss choosing the right seed for your environment and also how to establish a lawn.

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/seeding-new-lawn-video

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/choosing-seed-home-lawn-video

https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/selecting-an-appropriate-grass-for-your-lawn/

https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-establishment

Thank you for contacting the infoline, a service of the UNH Cooperative Extension. Replied August 13, 2025, 4:04 PM EDT

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