Question
QUESTION: We have about 3/4 acre of heavy clay that we would like to be grass. What can we do to the soil to make sure the new lawn we put in will work?

ANSWER: Hi Scott, Till it to a depth of 6".  Any organic matter (leaves, grass clippings) and any weeds or grass growing on it now should be tilled in.  Weeds are easy to get rid of if they come back.  Check you pH and adjust it if necessary.  It should be 6.5 for best turf production.  Then sow your seed at the appropriate time, keep it watered and fertilize with a good quality turf fertilizer.  Jim

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QUESTION: Would it do any good to add sand to the soil? How much organic matter shoild be added?

Answer
Sand really doesn't help much because of the difference in particle size between sand and clay.  Loosening the clay by tilling is the best thing you can do.  If you can spread an inch of organic matter over the area before tilling, it increases the organic content by 15-20%.  This gives the roots of your new grass pathways to follow through the soil.  Clay is good for water and nutrient retention.  You grass will do well in it...once it is loosened.  Jim