Grass Seeding Preparation

tarious · Sep 20, 2005

I am in the process of turning 3+ acres of weeds into lawn. I have tilled up the grass to a depth of about 6 inches. I am now looking for something to smooth out the lumps and even the ground before planting the seed and rolling.

The lawn seed dealer also recommended a spring harrow or something to pull to place a light amount of dirt over the seed.

Our soil is somewhat sandy and rocky.

I am not certain what would work best here and I would appreciate any advice. If possible, I would prefer to buy one implement to both level and smooth the dirt.

A salesperson suggested this, would it work well?
Drag Harrow

Thanks,

trlong · Sep 20, 2005

tarious,

6" depth may be too much for this but, to smooth out the "overload" and topsoil I filled in this summer, I used a 4'x8' (or so) piece of heavy chainlink fence, folded in half to 4'x4', weighted down in the back with one 20' chain and connected to my 3ph with another. Cost me all of a couple of bucks at the junkyard for the fence. If it doesn't work for you, you can always go the more expensive route. The chains, if you don't have, you can always find a use for. I had them ($29.99 each at Home Depot...I know H.D. quality but these were actually a bargain and I've used them day in and day out). You may be able to make out the drag fence in the pic.

If it works for you for smoothing, I wouldn't double it and weigh it down with the chains after seeding...just the chainlink.

Good luck,

Tom

JackIL · Sep 20, 2005

Jerry,

The carpet harrow shown in your link to Northern is excellent for your application. First pass use it with the teeth down in the aggressive position to level and smooth. Then seed, followed by another pass with the teeth in the least aggressive position. This will just barely cover the seed and helps germination. Drive slowly on the second pass. I have had very good results in establishing turf with a carpet harrow like this.

JackIL

TBDonnelly · Sep 20, 2005

Here's what I use. My homemade Gizmo-Grader. I've had excellent results leveling dirt & grading the driveway. Works great for leveling the high spots and filling the low spots.

I've found that commercial grade chain link fence works well, without deforming or losing it's shape.

Don

Cottonhawk · Sep 21, 2005

Jerry,
I did a lot of research on lawn and pasture maintenance searching for an ideal attachment. The end result is a "drag harrow". I just bought a drag harrow which can be attached to tractor (three point) and ATV. I have not tried it out yet but it sure looks like it will work out great for what I need.

browns40 · Sep 21, 2005

Hi tarious,

I have old hospital beds... kind with spring frames... check local hospitals & nursing homes to see if they have upgraded theirs & have old ones they would like to get rid of... i added an old iron wagon axle the MX-5 "discovered" for me for extra weight... works great!

Got idea from the collective here (thanks!) Was free for me to get all & just use ols rope to attach to truck for road & tractor for fields/stripped ground.

Good Luck!

Soundguy · Sep 21, 2005

I'd try a heavy chain drag harrow.. run it a few times.. agressive side down.

Soundguy

jeffinsgf · Sep 21, 2005

You have had some good suggestions so far on smoothing the lumps, but I would hesitate to use a drag harrow - even with the smooth side down - after seeding. I have always read that you should roll after seeding, and little else. Most grass seeds need light to germinate, and if they are worked too deep into the soil they will not receive the necessary light or enough air. I used a landscape rake for most of my yard preparation. I set it heavy to remove the biggest of the rocks near the surface. Then backed off the pressure and contoured the yard. I then rolled it with a 3 foot diameter water filled roller. I then made one more pass with the rake with very light down pressure, seeded and rolled again. A chain harrow or bed spring might have done a better job of loosening up the soil after the first roll and before the seed, but I don't have one. My landscape rake was my least expensive implement purchase, but I think I have used it more than anything else -- except the FEL.

Soundguy · Sep 21, 2005

Jeff, Re-read the first post.. here is the primary question that was asked.. and answered:

( am now looking for something to smooth out the lumps and even the ground before planting the seed and rolling )

The drag harrow makes for easy smoothing -before- the seed goes down.

Soundguy

jeffinsgf · Sep 21, 2005

( ...The lawn seed dealer also recommended a spring harrow or something to pull to place a light amount of dirt over the seed. )

Soundguy, this is the part that made me discuss post-seeding. I hope the seed dealer didn't really suggest using a spring tooth harrow after sowing grass. If he did, he doesn't know what he's talking about.