Analyse the Site
*The above Grass Seed mixtures are available in the Lawnsmith Shop and discussed below:
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Soil, pH & Amendments
If you’re spending a lot of time and money on an ornamental or croquet lawn then you MUST get a soil test done at a laboratory. You should also request advice and recommendations on required soil amendments for the type of grasses you will be growing. Even if you’re not planning an ornamental lawn a soil test is still a good idea as it can save trouble later on down the road particularly if you’re grassing a largish area. At a minimum buy a pH tester, it may well save you sowing the wrong grass seed or turf!
If you’re not getting a soil test done and don’t intend amending the soil then a few simple tips are worth considering:
- If the soil is heavy, clay, poorly draining or neutral pH (6 to 7) plant rye or tall fescue grass seed or turf - Lawnsmith® EASYGREEN, CLASSIC or STAYGREEN*
- If the soil is very sandy, freely draining or with an acidic pH (5 to 6) then sow fine fescue grass mixtures - Lawnsmith® ORNAMENTAL, CLASSIC or STAYGREEN*
- If the soil is alkaline (pH 7+) or chalky then stay away from the fine grasses and go with Lawnsmith® EASYGREEN, STAYGREEN or CLASSIC*
- If the soil is primarily builder’s rubble buy a minimum of 3” – 4” good loam topsoil
Slopes
These may be planned or part of the existing landscape. Whichever they are consider the following:
- Steep slopes are hard to mow and dry very quickly
- The top should curve gradually otherwise you’ll get a lot of scalping with the mower
- The bottom of the slope can get water logged
- Use turf on moderate to steep slopes. You may even need to peg the turf on steep slopes to stop it sliding downhill until it roots
Lawn Drainage
There are two factors here. Firstly drainage from the lawn; ideally you want this away from the house if the lawn runs up to the walls. If the lawn slopes the wrong way install drainage along the wall otherwise it'll just end up as mud.
Secondly, patios and driveways can drain into the lawn; if you have a slow draining heavy soil this can cause considerable stress to the grass. If this is the case put in drainage tiles or ‘soakaways’ at the lawn edge or put drains into the patio or driveway.
If the site is particularly prone to water logging then installing a free draining base layer may be the answer.
