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March 2007
Landscaping For Longevity
Brian Murray
Blue Barn Excavating
One of the most important decisions a person will make after moving into or upgrading their new home is how they are going to landscape their property. At first this may seem straight forward, and sounds like a simple thing to do, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind, beginning with the overall quality of the products to be used.
The topsoil available today can vary in quality and in price. The sandier soils are usually the least expensive but lack nutrients and water holding ability. These soils would appear to be a bargain, but given a closer look could end up costing a lot more. A high percentage of sandy topsoil drains quickly, and lacks moisture holding ability. What this means is in the summertime when infrequent rains are the norm your grass will remain dry. Insects in the soil will often turn to the grass roots for moisture if the ground becomes too dry. Unfortunately the way to eliminate insects is to apply for a permit and have your yard sprayed with chemicals. In the end sandy topsoil would have to be considerably deeper, and probably never make a good medium for the grass to grow in - without frequent watering. Generally the higher-grade topsoils have more organic matter, and better tilth for root growth. The lack of sand and higher organic content will provide a better growing environment and increase water retention. You can never go wrong using quality topsoil as a base for your sods. The amount of topsoil used is where a lot of people get misled. Some companies will tell you to use very little topsoil simply to keep their costs low. Using the minimum amount of soil can seem attractive, especially to your pocketbook. In the end using the right amount needed can save many headaches in the future. The minimum amount of topsoil most areas need is 4”. This may vary depending on the base soil in the yard. An ideal amount would be in the 8-12” range, but this is usually cost prohibitive to most people unless you have a very small area to cover. Understanding how the varying amounts of topsoil will affect the long-term life of your grass is something to talk about with the potential landscaper.
Limestone and fertilizer are two things sometimes left out by some companies in an effort to keep the prices reasonable. When laying sods the optimum time to apply the lime and fertilizer is before the sods go down - this way the roots get the benefit almost immediately. In the case of Limestone it can actually take weeks or even months to get the maximum benefit if applied over the sods.
A major consideration can often be choosing the time of year to put down the sods and topsoil. Although it can be done from early spring until late fall there are optimum times - once the risk of frost has passed and the ground is relatively dry - this allows the soil to level without turning to mud. This particular time of year helps alleviate some of the labor needed, as well as, to make a better smoother base for the sods. Spring usually gives adequate moisture without the need to water on a daily bases. This time of year also allows the grass to get established before the hot summer weather. The next best time to plant is in the early fall. The benefit is that most of the potentially damaging insects are finished doing their damage for the season, and there is added moisture to help the grass get a good start. Some people would argue the fall is the best time specifically for these reasons. I would tend to agree however most people want to see the perfect lawn sooner rather than later.
The main thing is to talk to companies who can explain the reason for what is required, as well as the consequences of not doing so. The best course is usually with the company that will give you what you need, for a healthy lawn, and at an acceptable price.
For Additional info you can contact:
Brian Murray
Blue Barn Excavating
1800 Hammonds Plains Road
info@bluebarn.ca
www.bluebarn.ca
PH 499-3399
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