[macleod52]

I'm going to be fixing some low spots in my back yard late August, early September. I have heavy clay soil and I also want to amend the soil at the same time. Is that advisable or necessary? I planned on aerating, raking up the cores, applying a compost soil amendment, lay down dirt to level the yard, and then seed with KBG.

Is my methodology correct? Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

 

[GoPre]

It's a good amount of work but you can do it! Unless you have a specific reason, raking up the cores isn't necessary.

If you are overseeding the entire yard and not just the leveled areas I highly advise using a plant growth regulator to slow the growth of the existing grass. KBG takes awhile to establish.

Finally, some Tenacity or starter fert with mesotrione are recommended at seed down as a pre-emergent barrier to weeds that will not interfere with germination of your new grass.

Good luck and take pics!

 

[macleod52]

I just figured removing the cores means less clay and less chance of future compaction issues. I'm not sure yet on my plan for seeding/overseeding just yet. It's going to take a large amount of soil to level the area so the seed in that area should have a good chance at thriving. I was also going to scalp/bag prior to aerating in the area's I'm going to seed/overseed. I'll have to look into the growth regulator.

 

[macleod52]

So with my plan should I apply the soil or the compost first or does it really matter?

 

[GoPre]

I see the point with the clay. You look like you're ready to go. If you overseed I gotta stress to you the PGR, and perhaps a peat moss top dress. KBG needs babied.

As far as leveling goes, I would apply the soil first to the desired grade. Compost will break down and eventually "disappear", which may cause a settling affect.

I may be completely overthinking this. Maybe the compost is spread at such a negligible amount it wouldn't matter. I look forward to other's opinions.

 

[macleod52]

Bump

 

[g-man]

For the general backyard, I like doing the aerate + compost after to try to fill the holes. I would not bother taking the cores out. Since you have kbg, just fertilize and water after and you will be fine. No need to overseed, scalp, or pgr.

For the low area that you need to level. I'm assuming we are talking more than 1in of soil needed, right? If so, then you need to treat these areas like a reno. I would bring the soil and level, water it so it will settle. Apply round up to the any weed that grows from the soil. After a few weeks then use kbg seeds and water like a new lawn to only that area.

 

[macleod52]

You are correct regarding the soil. Probably 2-3" in some areas. So where I need to add soil is it a waste adding compost to that area as well?

Also, the part where will be doing all of this is a fine fescue/rye mix. Very little KBG. There are a lot of thin spots that I want to throw KBG on to help fill in.