Question
QUESTION: Tom,
I live in Charlotte and my front yard (roughly 15,000 sqft) is covered in english ivy. I want to get rid of the ivy and grow grass this fall instead.  Front yard was very shady but I've removed some trees to let more sunlight in.
What would you do?
Thanks,
Albert


ANSWER: Albert:

The main consideration I would employ is care of the tree roots while preparing the lawn area.  Ivy roots are shallow, but will be growing amidst the roots of your shade trees.

I recommend mowing it as low as you can, trying not to scar the tree roots.  Then, lightly grade the area, adding topsoil if too many roots show above ground.  Add whatever amendments are recommended from analysis, and sew.

You may use high quality compost to replace fertilizer, lime and straw.  This will also feed trees which will sense the change in environment and go into stress.  The advantage of compost is that it will boost microbial activity, provide nutrients on demand from plants, and improve drought stress repsonse in all plants.

One cubic yard (CY) per thousand square feet (M) is the rate of application placed on top of seed.  This is about 3/8 inch of compost.

There are several professional suppliers in NC.  One is Leprechan, which, I believe, has a Charlotte area center.  I am sure that there are others, but am not current on them or their quality.

Ask for an analysis from a supplier.  And ask if the compost was produced thermophilically, above 131 deg F. for many weeks.

Alternately, use conventional practices and materials.

Best wishes.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tom,
Thank you for replying.  Just want to get this right.  In other words first mow ivy, then lightly grade with top soil, then seed, then fill with compost to cover the seeds.  

Also instead of mowing, could you pull the roots of the ivey or spray Roundup?

Thanks,
Albert

Answer
Albert:

Generally, that is the idea.  Mow as low as possible.  Grade the roots out of the soil.  Use topsoil for areas with roots above the ground to level it.  Sew seed. Cover with high quality, professional grade compost by 3/8 inch.

Alternately, you can spray with a broad spectrum herbicide.  The roots will have to come up anyway.  That is part of the grading process - to remove trash from the seedbed.

Actually, you can, and probably will, do all three.  Try to make the seedbed as clean as possible.  Otherwise, you will be mowing trash and ivy for a while when the seed comes up.

Best wishes.