Rework and fill dirt for lawn?
Question:I want to add dirt to my lawn. I saw somewhere that someone added compost or mulch to help the soil. I know compost will but I am trying to keep cost down as much as I can. The city has a free leaf-mulch program but I am worried that grass wouldn't grow good, even mixed 50/50 with dirt. I want to add approximately 8-10 inches of soil over a 40' x 80' area. Is there a way to improve the leaf mulch? Any suggestions for a cost effective alternative?
Answers:
Composted leaf mulch is one of the best if not the best sources of organic material. It adds nutrients to a soil, improves moisture holding ability, increases microbe activity and helps to build a better soil structure. You can use just the free leaf compost, but you need to till this in to your existing soil. Planting a new lawn in 100% leaf compost is going to create a whole set of other problems. If you bring in 4-6" of compost, just make certain you till down at least 4-6" to achive a 50-50 mix. It's going to be difficult to till deeper than 4-6", so use additional top soil mixed with free leaf compost to get your ultimate soil depth.
leaf mulch, if mixed well with ur soil or compost could be the best thing for ur lawn! it will decompose in a matter of days after being laid. theres not much u really have to do to it at all. just mix it the best u can and it'll be fine without adding or treating it. i put it straight on my garden in the fall and by spring it's usually decomposed already by the time i start tilling! good luck and i hope this helps!
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