Question
Hi.

After getting many estimates for planting my lawn, I've decided to do it myself.  I have 4 to 5 inches of topsoil, however the topsoil is quite rocky.  I've been removing the rocks using a power rake and landscape rake.  I've removed what I can, and I'm thinking to bring in a small layer of pure topsoild to spread on top.  I'll then seed that.  

Is this a good strategy?  The only other I can come up with is to truck in new topsoil to be spread at 4" all around...for my acre lot that would be cost prohibitive.

My brother-in-law, who grew up on the farm, said to just go ahead and fertilize, seed, and water, water, water.  

Any tips?  Thanks, Tom.


Answer
Kris:

You have calculated the downside of importing topsoil.  For an acre, just shy of 500 cubic yards would be needed for a four inch cover.

I do not know what type of grass you will plant.  Except for a few which respond best at low mower height, most will be mowed at 2.5 to 4 inches.  I mow at 3.0 to 3.5".  If the remaining stones and rocks will be below that height, I would leave them.

After sewing, you can continue to pick up rocks until they are all smaller than your mower height.  You will have time to pick up stones while the seed comes up.  The bare ground will appear to grow them.   But when the grass covers, the topsoil layer increases as thatch is deposited.

As a caution, I would count on resharpening the blades after the first two mowings.  If your mower has a rock finder like mine, you will find the remaining ones then.

Given your situation, I would agree with your brother-in-law's advice.

Best wishes.