Lawn over Leach Field

[2710Fan]

About to add a bedroom to my house and the state says I need to expand my leach field./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif While it is an unexpected expense, it is an opportunity to fix some drainage problems with the front yard and finally get a decent lawn in place. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I live in Southern New England...the lawn is in the sunshine most of the day. My problems is that it seems to dry out very quickly and turn brown, within just a few days. I have well water so don't want to water too much.

So here are the questions:

1. Topsoil? How deep should the layer above the sand be? It looks like I have 3 inches of clay-like soil (most likely spoils from foundation excavation) above the sand and 1 inch of topsoil. I'm sure this is not enough topsoil and may be the reason it dries out so quickly.

2. Sprinkler vs Well?

3. Seed? In the past I've used the mix the cooperative extension recommends. URI#2, bluegrass, fescue and rye mix.

Thanks,
JB

 

[AndyR]

Organic matter - lots of it - will help you with water retention. I would lean toward 5-6" of loam on top, especially with a sand base. If your current top is indeed foundation spoils you would do well to invest in some good dirt! Also, get your soil tested by the Extension Service (they charge about $5. or sometimes free - depends on the area and what promo's are going on).

Andy in NH

 

[Thomas]

I've found out in autumn and spring feed your lawn w/extra food for the grass area,and mowe the area at a higher level.
Good old cow manure does wonders,but it will also let other types of grass grow along w/weeds.
Maybe if you water after dark or just before day light w/the dew it may help.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif