Lawn Care: Soil Analysis and Treatment

The old adage, "haste makes waste" is especially true when establishing a lawn. The result obtained from such practice is usually disappointing. The soil is the foundation of the lawn. As with any structure, the end product is no better than the foundation upon which it is built. Soils in the Santa Fe can vary, greatly. In general, most soils are low in organic matter, low in nitrates and phosphates, and tend to be alkaline. Sandy, coarse and gravelly soils take up water rapidly, but do not retain it. Clay soils absorb water slowly, but retain more water. Clay soils are difficult to manage. The ideal soil is a sandy loam or a clay-loam.

Regardless of which type of soil you have, it can be improved with the addition of organic matter. It is best to plan on adding a three to four inch layer of organic matter to the soil and spading or roto-tilling several times to mix the organic matter into the soil. Mix to a depth of six to eight inches. The organic matter you apply to your lawn seed can be peat moss, heat-treated manure or compost.

Grading is of utmost importance and should be done as early as possible. Grade the area to provide for surface drainage. The soil should slope gradually away from the house, walks and driveway. About six inches for every 50 feet is recommended. The change in slope should be gradual. If the slope is greater than one foot in 10 feet, some form of terracing may be required. Steep slopes are more difficult to establish and maintain. Level the lawn by scraping the soil from high spots and filling in holes and depressions. Sprinkling often helps settle the soil and expose uneven areas. Rolling the soil with rollers containing water sometimes helps break up small clods and firm the seed bed.

After the area is adequately leveled, rake lightly to form small furrows for seeding. To avoid leaving footprints, lay flat boards to walk on while raking and planting. Move boards as the lawn area is sown. The rate of seeding depends on grass variety, seed size and expected percentage of germination.

Divide seed into two lots. Sow the two lots in different directions to ensure even distribution. After seeding, lightly mulch with a light layer of peat moss no more than ¼ inch deep. This protects the bed from drying out. Water with a very fine mist that will not disturb the mulch covering. Keep the seed bed moist until seeds begin to germinate. Again, soil preparation is very important. Sodding is the laying of solid strips of sod cut ¾ to 1 inch thick by 12-18" wide. The sod is laid on a smooth soil surface that has been firmed by rolling.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/garden/07202.html