Questionquestion from Anchorage Alaska (climate is similar to Chicago area) : I have an established yard of weeds and clover, with birch tree roots sneaking up to the surface (for aeration?) I would like to save time by having a couple loads of topsoil delivered and then I can spread it out evenly (a couple inches thick) and plant a lawn. We get nearly 20 hours of daylight around solstice up here and things grow like crazy. Questions: Would the old buried vegetation generate a good layer for food for the new lawn? Or would that layer create a squishy unattached boundary that would give poor footing on the new lawn? Or would I be better off trying to uproot the weeds, and attempt to reclaim the topsoil tangled in the roots? (which would still leave the birch roots to trip over..)? any suggestions would be welcome!
Answer One method of establishing a new lawn is to scalp the existing vegetation and lay the sod; water it well for the next 6 to 8 weeks and it should all root in and be good. I would recommend applying a truly organic product like "Milorganite" or "Black Kow" before laying the sod. Roots really love this kind of stuff. Take the time and care to lay the sod properly. Jam in the pieces to close the seams; stamp on the pieces as you go to ensure intimate contact with the soil or roll the whole job at the end to achieve the same effect.
Above all, watch the lawn closely in the following days. Look for opening seams and fill with sand. Watch for lifting corners/edges and browning grass which will indicate drying out. Make sure that all watering is done in time for all free water to be dried up before the sun goes down.
