Leveling project, 2016 progress

Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Centipede, Bahia, Paspalum, etc
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tbdh20
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Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 2nd, 2016, 3:36 pm

Hey all!

For a few years, I've worked a bermuda renovation with the front lawn. Last year was a bit of a wash due to a hectic schedule and went rotary for the season, this season I have more time. Scalped earlier in the season and have cut several times since. Not satisfied with the results and am going to try to tackle leveling.

First step, re-scalped at 7/16"

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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 2nd, 2016, 3:56 pm

Contacted the local landscape supply company. A very helpful woman answered my questions ... $30 a ton/ + $70 if I need delivery. I still need to take exact measurements but her calculations were a ton per 400 sq/ft for a 1/4"?

Any input.. Thanks!

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Ware
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Ware » May 2nd, 2016, 4:20 pm

If possible, I would try to do your math/purchase the sand in cubic yards - not tons. The weight can vary depending on the moisture content of the sand you are buying. A cubic yard of sand is finite. However, if for whatever reason you can't purchase it by the yard, it's not the end of the world.

Here is a simple topdressing calculator.

I put a lot of thought into what my average depth target should be, but based on the experience of myself and others here, I would simply recommend ordering at least one cubic yard per thousand square feet. And don't be afraid to order 10-15% extra.

Good luck!

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Main_sail22
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Main_sail22 » May 2nd, 2016, 4:24 pm

I like Ware's thought process but to answer your point directly, if you want to cover 400 sq ft with a 1/4" of sand, that would equal .31 cubic yards you would need to purchase. If you have 4000 sq ft, order 3.1 cubic yards. Hope this helps.

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Ware
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Ware » May 2nd, 2016, 4:49 pm

Main_sail22 wrote:I like Ware's thought process but to answer your point directly, if you want to cover 400 sq ft with a 1/4" of sand, that would equal .31 cubic yards you would need to purchase. If you have 4000 sq ft, order 3.1 cubic yards. Hope this helps.
Except I would re-emphasize that you would likely have no problem using 4+ yards of sand on 4k square feet. That $70 delivery fee will eat you up if they have to come back.

How large is the area you are leveling?


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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 2nd, 2016, 5:03 pm

Ware,

Not sure the exact sq/ft, thinking about 2500. Will measure. I also have to sod a piece of the property. Raining hard now, back at it tomorrow.

Thanks for your input!

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scottcgrable
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by scottcgrable » May 2nd, 2016, 5:26 pm

Someone posted this here before and it seems pretty accurate...

http://www.findlotsize.com/

Steverino
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Steverino » May 2nd, 2016, 5:43 pm

Hi tbh20, good to see ya here again. I'm the guy you met when I picked up a storage unit from your neighbor...
I like to hit it with verticut/slit seeder machine when I scalp as it will help with the leveling and open up the turf for growth, also may require less sand for the next stage of leveling. After that, get a pre emergent down soon after the sand settles in. Soil test to get the needs as well....Those are the steps I would take....

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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 2nd, 2016, 6:57 pm

Steverino,

Thanks for the input! Your yard is immaculate! Will call sunbelt tomorrow to see if a slit seeder is available.

Atc4usmc
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Atc4usmc » May 2nd, 2016, 8:23 pm

Also check lowes, they have 1/2 ton contractor sand in a bag for about 30 bucks. Might be able to find a better deal with them on that.

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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by Steverino » May 2nd, 2016, 10:34 pm

When you call, make sure it has the delta blades for this purpose (rather than flail tines). Thanks on the yard, it has improved so much since I got all the help here on ATY/BL.... I may have to raise up a notch.... I would have liked to cut tonight but the storm came through before I got off work....I'll try to cut tommorow eve if the storms let me....

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maynardGkeynes
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by maynardGkeynes » May 4th, 2016, 12:36 am

Can you specify to the supplier the type of sand you want? There's some debate about granule size, but the general sense I got was that non-uniform, medium-coarse was best. Helps avoid compaction and improves water penetration. BTW, sand can be pretty hard on your blades and power equipment, although iit sounds like you know that already.

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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 4th, 2016, 9:48 am

maynard,

Planning on using Bradsher Landscape Supply. They state they have USGA spec topdressing sand. Thanks for the insight!

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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by maynardGkeynes » May 4th, 2016, 11:00 am

tbdh20 wrote:maynard,

Planning on using Bradsher Landscape Supply. They state they have USGA spec topdressing sand. Thanks for the insight!
I'm out of my depth here, but I do know that USGA has several specs, with different sand types recommended for greens than for fairways etc. I think the ones for greens are probably too fine for regular turf and could compact too easily. But, obviously, ask them. not me, about all that.

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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 4th, 2016, 11:20 am

Thanks maynard,

I hadn't considered that, not expert, just taking her recommendation. These are my options, http://www.bradsherfarms.com/products/sand. Any opinions are appreciated.

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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 4th, 2016, 11:24 am

In the (about us tab) they go into a bit more detail.

maynardGkeynes
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by maynardGkeynes » May 4th, 2016, 11:41 am

If you google USGA Sand topdressing a lot of articles come up, some really technical. FWIW, I've been topdressing with good old Home Depot Sakrette all-purpose sand, which is medium to slightly coarse (it varies from shipment to shipment). About every third mowing I throw the thinnest possible amount (maybe 1/4 bag per 300 sq ft)to slowly build up the sand cap. I haven't had any problems, and the lawn looks pretty healthy so far. Top layers of soil seems to dry out faster, which in my situation(humid, fungus-prone DC), is a good thing.

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tbdh20
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 4th, 2016, 1:25 pm

At this point, I have had success growing warm season grasses (a weed and not a accomplishment). I haven't had a soil test yet, would like smooth things out to maintain a lower cut. Last year just dropped a 50/50 mix of milo and partial slow release.

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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by tbdh20 » May 4th, 2016, 1:28 pm

Suppression in areas is a bigger task.

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probasesteal
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Re: Leveling project, 2016 progress

Post by probasesteal » May 4th, 2016, 10:11 pm

tbdh20 wrote:maynard,

Planning on using Bradsher Landscape Supply. They state they have USGA spec topdressing sand. Thanks for the insight!
Good choice, I was going to recommend them.

I've never bought their sand, but inquired in the past. I like their manure compost.

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