Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, Rye and Bent, etc
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PSU4ME
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Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by PSU4ME » April 16th, 2021, 9:05 pm

So I laid prodiamine down this spring and last year I had a basketball court put in for the boys. Around it, I’ll be doing landscaping this year which will include bringing in dirt to level out the grade.

Since the original grass had prodiamine in it, how much of a problem will it be if I put new dirt on top of it and plant seed? Will the preM hurt it at 1”, 2” new dirt depth?

Any idea on what to expect?

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andy10917
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by andy10917 » April 16th, 2021, 9:34 pm

I;d expect a coin toss.

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PSU4ME
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by PSU4ME » April 16th, 2021, 9:54 pm

You think a hard, disruptive rake before the new dirt is in order?

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andy10917
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by andy10917 » April 16th, 2021, 10:01 pm

I think you're looking for someone to bless your conundrum and plan. I don't know that there is any evidence out there to base an opinion on. Any honest answer has to be "I dunno" without evidence.

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MorpheusPA
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by MorpheusPA » April 16th, 2021, 10:09 pm

Absolutely. The layer is still there and I've played microsurgeon with my radicles (embryonic roots).

OK, that sounds kind of dirty.

They can hit the bottom of the flat in a matter of a day or so, and that's an inch and a half. I'm not sure about grass roots--I've never tested--but as high plains plants, I imagine they try to drive roots rather deep rather quickly. Rains are not reliable even in early fall.

Scratch the layer if you can, or, in this one case, I might actually be inclined to till a bit if possible. Just at the surface if you have a small tiller. Even so, the pre-emergent is still there. It can still cause problems.

The best you can do is dilute it in other soil...


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PSU4ME
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by PSU4ME » April 17th, 2021, 9:27 am

Thanks Morph. I need to see what the final plan will be but I think I have a few options, albeit none the perfect situation. I start in on the project this weekend so I’m going to try and save sod where I can and be mindful of where the prodiamine was laid

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MorpheusPA
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by MorpheusPA » April 17th, 2021, 12:34 pm

Good idea. Sod's developed enough that it won't matter and won't be overly-impacted by the pre-emergent layer. Root trimmed, yes. Killed, no.

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PSU4ME
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Re: Fresh dirt on preM layer - effect?

Post by PSU4ME » April 18th, 2021, 8:20 am

Image
And the process begins. Step one is the edging then on to the grading!

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