Lawn Work outside of Garage

[Cutch]

Not really garage related but it is close to the garage. The lawn beside the garage doesn't do well in the summer as there is very little good soil to hold moisture. I want to add more soil.

Would it be better to just add 3-4 inches on top of the existing lawn or should I till the existing lawn up and then add the top soil and then seed the area?

 

[aerobb]

If it's not an extremely rocky soil, I'd ammend what you have. put down a few inches of good organic material, till, rake, seed and roll it. If erosion is an issue, cover it with straw. I haven't tried any of the new hydro-seeding options so maybe I'm just out of date.

 

[PAToyota]

One thing to pay attention to if adding soil is that you don't cause a drainage issue by raising things to the point that they drain back towards the garage - or other buildings. Just a thought...

 

[z28toz06]

Does it get enough sun?
is the soil compacted?
do you have pix?

 

[M3Pilot]

Ever thought about using groundcovers or maybe planting a bunch of monkeygrass or such?

 

[Cutch]

It gets plenty of sun and the soil is very sandy....this is why I would like to add some more topsoil to allow it to retain moisture better and not dry out so much.....drainage near the garage will not be an issue.

So would I be beter off to till the old lawn first.....add the new top soil...rake....seed and roll or should I just add the top soil right over the existing lawn.

Never heard of monkeygrass...heard of monkey *** (usually occurs when one drinks too much beer)

 

[M3Pilot]

Monkey Grass is what lots of folks around here call liriope or mondo grass. Google it. It might work.

 

[JMURiz]

If it's not an extremely rocky soil, I'd amend what you have. put down a few inches of good organic material, till, rake, seed and roll it. If erosion is an issue, cover it with straw. I haven't tried any of the new hydro-seeding options so maybe I'm just out of date.

I'd have to agree with all he said, aside from the straw covering...use either top-soil or compost to cover the seed. Straw contains all kinds of random weed seeds in it, and you'll have to fight off the weeds in the coming years. Best of luck.

 

[mulepackin]

Peat moss makes a good moisture retaining top dress for newly seeded areas, as does old burlap (if you can find it).