Lawns are used to add the finishing touch to the yard and providing a covered surface for games.
Regardless of its purpose, what it takes to build a good lawn is similar regardless of its purpose.
When starting out have a minimum of four inches (10 cm) of top soil. Six inches (15 cm) or more is better as the plants will be able to develop a deeper root system.
Larger root systems gather more moisture and nutrients making them more sustainable. It takes more time, money and effort to put down a deeper layer of top soil but the savings will be there in having a lawn that needs less maintenance: water, fertilizer, and weeding.
Grassed areas can be developed through sowing seed, laying sod or using artificial turf.
The advantages of seeding a lawn are the choice of grass varieties lawn available and the cost. Lawn seed is less expensive than sod. Different mixtures are available for sunny, shady or high traffic areas. There are also mixtures that require less maintenance than the average blue grass lawn.
On the down side, it takes work to get a good seeded lawn. The area will need to be watered and weeded until the grass becomes established; usually one season.
Sod is more expensive but it looks like an instant lawn. It will need to be watered until the roots are developed but it gives the illusion of a lawn long before it is established. Sodded areas should not be walked on until the lawn is established or rooted in the topsoil.
There is a cost involved with artificial turf. It can be put down, attached to the ground without the added expense of top soil. This lawn will never need to be mowed, fertilized or weeded. All animal messes can be removed with a strong spray of the hose.
Whether using sod or seed, the preparation of the area is similar. Once the soil is in place make sure that it is free from all perennial weeds as they will grow through sod as well as in seeded areas.
Start by adding top soil and mixing it with the existing soil. Next roll the soil until it is smooth and firm. Time spent in soil preparation makes the difference between a lawn and a great lawn.
Spread fertilizer that is high in phosphorous and potassium over the surface. The three number fertilizer formula will have large second and third numbers. This will promote the root growth.
When laying sod, start at one edge of the soil placing the sod on the surface, butting edges together. The next row of sod should be placed to stagger the edges that are butted together. When finished the lawn will look like a brick wall.
Once all the sod is laid water it until both the sod and soil are soggy. Take the roller and roll the lawn one more time. This final roll ensures that all air pockets are removed and the bottom of the sod is adhered to the soil.
Do not let sod or the soil underneath become dry until the roots become established. Check before watering as it will require less water now than in the hot summer months.
When seeding, be sure to cover the area evenly with seed. Once seeded, rake the area to cover most of the seed and roll to ensure it is packed and smooth. Water immediately and keep moist until the seed has germinated and becomes established.
Take time to prepare the soil before developing the lawn. The initial time and money spent will be a time saver later.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com