Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Discuss how to and whether you should renovate your lawn
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Alias-Dor
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Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Alias-Dor » August 15th, 2019, 12:41 pm

I’m doing a KBG renovation and was debating weather I should get a few yards of topsoil instead of seed going straight on the ground with peat moss on top . What do you guys think ? I can get the 80/20 screened topsoil/compost mix but it’s definitely a lot of manual work with only a wheelbarrow and shovel . I’m willing to do it if necessary but prefer not to if I can get by without it . This is my first post just want to thank you all for all the great tips and knowledge .

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andy10917
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by andy10917 » August 15th, 2019, 1:41 pm

No, it is not necessary, unless you have tons of uneven ground that you want to level at seed-down time.

Alias-Dor
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Alias-Dor » August 15th, 2019, 9:10 pm

andy10917 wrote:
August 15th, 2019, 1:41 pm
No, it is not necessary, unless you have tons of uneven ground that you want to level at seed-down time.
Okay cool , I’m glad I can skip that step . While I have your expertise here ... what do you think about core aeration ? Can I skip that step too ? I can rent one for around 100 bucks but I’m not sure about the benefits of going through all that . I’m reading a lot of conflicting opinions on it . I plan on dethatching just to open up the soil a little bit before seeding .

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andy10917
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by andy10917 » August 15th, 2019, 9:39 pm

I think core aeration is next to worthless, I wouldn't do anything to disturb the soil - it is begging for a nice crop of weeds.

Alias-Dor
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Alias-Dor » August 16th, 2019, 11:34 am

andy10917 wrote:
August 15th, 2019, 9:39 pm
I think core aeration is next to worthless, I wouldn't do anything to disturb the soil - it is begging for a nice crop of weeds.
Awesome !! That makes seeding way less time consuming. Thanks a lot of the help .


Pirate Russ
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Pirate Russ » August 18th, 2019, 7:16 pm

I agree with Andy about not disturbing the soil. Nonetheless, the one thing i do like about putting down topsoil is it really seems to limit the Poa Annua and Trivialis (at least in my experience) for the renovation. I have had some many trees removed due to Sandy, Ash Borer Beetle along with huge Oak with Carpenter Ant problem, i have been forced to bring in a lot of topsoil to fill it for the trees and truck damage. Anyway, i just did a 5k renovation where the Oak was removed and we just had huge rains. The Peat Moss just does not seem to stay in place with heavy rains. I know i definitely had washout in the areas i put dirt down. I am beginning to think that in areas with topsoil, Peat is not the best option. Compost or Straw might be better.

KBGkicksazz
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by KBGkicksazz » August 19th, 2019, 4:01 am

Is this a new construction or existing lawn with grass already growing?

Do you have soil test results?

Factor
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Factor » October 8th, 2019, 2:53 pm

andy10917 wrote:
August 15th, 2019, 9:39 pm
I think core aeration is next to worthless, I wouldn't do anything to disturb the soil - it is begging for a nice crop of weeds.
I am so glad I found this.. Naturally after I had aerated. :banghead: So my next question is slit seeding in the same boat? Also when you overseed actual grass areas you just put down seed and water?

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andy10917
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by andy10917 » October 8th, 2019, 9:24 pm

Anything that disturbs the soil is tempting fate.

Factor
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Factor » October 9th, 2019, 12:10 am

Andy thanks I figured you would say that. I wanted to be sure.

coldengrey
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by coldengrey » October 9th, 2019, 11:44 am

So, the consensus seems to be even overseeding machine (slit seeder) is not advisable? Best bet Dethatching to open up for soil seed contact then spreading overseed?
I always questioned the majority of Landscaping how to's recommending Dethatcher and Core Aeration before renovation.... Seems those plugs removed would cause a significant percentage of seed to fall into core Aeration plug void, basically suffocating, right? Max depth for topdressing seed is, like 1/8" to 1/4" max depth, right?

Factor
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Re: Is topsoil necessary for renovation ?

Post by Factor » October 9th, 2019, 3:36 pm

Best I can tell, yes. It is don't disturb the soil. I found this below.
https://aroundtheyard.com/index.php?opt ... Itemid=118

Essentially what I keep reading and hearing is throw out the seed and maybe roll it or very slight top dressing. I would think depending on your grass type. Removing the lawn debris (not thatch) would be good. Just not power raking or something to violent..

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