Creating the Right Foundation for Your Lawn Will Make You the Envy of the Neighborhood
Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply want a “do-over” for a failing yard, preparing your landscape for a healthy lawn is critical for its success. Ensuring your ground is nutrient-rich first will create a solid foundation to support green, lush grass for decades to come. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in creating the
right foundation for your lawn.
- Conduct a soil test. You can purchase soil tests from your local landscape or hardware store. The pH tester kits typically include vials and tablets to measure the acidity of the soil. You’ll be digging a series of small holes, collecting the dirt, and then follow the instructions to measure the pH level.
If the acidity is too high, you’re likely to have thatch, weeds, and diseases invading your lawn. Garden lime or limestone will help reduce soil acidity. If the soil is too alkaline, the dirt restricts plants’ ability to absorb nutrients. Sphagnum peat moss is an organic solution to reduce acidity.
- Consider adding a layer of topsoil. If your ground contains a high concentration of clay, rock, or other “difficult” ground material, a good layer of topsoil will help with grass growth long-term. The team at Hilton Landscape Supply can help you decide which products are best for your specific lawn.
- Level the lawn. Hills, valleys, or slopes coming towards your home will create long-term problems for lawn maintenance. Now is the time to ensure your ground is leveled and graded to ensure future watering will absorb down into the soil without pooling, swamping, or running off into your home’s foundation.
Depending on the size and nature of the yard, this step may involve renting landscaping equipment or simply hard work with a shovel and rake. The result should be a smooth and even surface free of rocks, branches, and construction debris.
- Remove weeds and add amendments. First, make sure you’ve pulled up all the weeds from your area. Then, use the results of your soil test to add the proper amendments for your soil. If you’re not sure what you should add, simply bring your soil test to the professionals at Hilton Landscape Supply. Amendments need to be worked well into the ground for maximum effectiveness.
- Install irrigation. If you’ll enjoy the convenience of an automatic watering system, now is the time to install it. A proper irrigation system should cover the entire area with minimal overlap and distribute the right amount of water to the lawn.
- Determine how you will plant your grass. There are three primary methods for installing grass in Oregon: sod (roll it out like carpeting), seed (applied with a seeder like fertilizer), and hydro mousse (spray-on formula.) Obviously, the sod will provide instant gratification, and typically hydro mousse will sprout faster than seed. But, of course, the cost of the product is also highest for sod, then hydro mousse, and finally seed is the most economical. Discuss your decision with Hilton Landscape Supply to determine if a final grading or another amendment layer is necessary for your selected method.
- Fill flower beds and other “non-grass” areas with a layer of mulch. Red hemlock is a favorite choice because it’s free of splinters. Mulch will help prepare the soil underneath for next Spring’s plantings.
Need help tackling a difficult lawn?
The best place to start is by talking with our team at Hilton Landscape Supply. Simply stop by our location in Central Point or give us a call. We’ll help you walk through your options and guide you to the best products for your specific needs. Start creating the yard of your dreams today!