Question
I have Bermuda grass in the north Atlanta area. The soil has never been great and I have had aeration once or twice per year over the years, but now the grass is thinning and I believe most of the soil is just too darned compacted and probably holds too much moisture (I'm starting to get moss in a few places). I know the builder did not do a good job of preparing the soil, just laid sod over scraped earth after building the house.  I have a garden tiller, and with the rain this year the ground is now quite soft. I wonder if I can LIGHTLY till the grass, and then apply and rake in some new soil, probably a flower mix from the bulk landscape supply, to rejuvenate the soil and make the Bermuda happier. I don't mind if it takes all season for the Bermuda to fill in, if it will be happier and healthier in the long run. What do you think? I have a large yard and will get a lot of exercise if I take this on.

Answer
This could work, but not by tilling. Use a core aerator, and punch holes everywhere. Go over the lawn 2 or 3 times minimum. Next, spread the good soil and rake it all around to mix it down into the holes.

You should see an improvement pretty quickly, but I'd advise doing this a few times over the next 3 seasons.

The tiller will destroy too much of the grass, while the core aerator will leave it intact while still giving you the ability to incorporate some good soil.

You've got the right idea though! Let me know how it goes.

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com