prep for new grass in eroded area

[flstnhd]

Hello Everyone,
First wanted to comment on how helpful this site has been. I'm new to all things tractor. It has helped me choose my first one. It will be here this afternoon (BX24). Our house was built two years ago and on the side yard they scraped some of the top soil to cover the leach lines. I haven't done anything to it hoping something would just grow back. Not much has grown there the last two years (drought didn't help) so I want to seed it this spring. The rains have eroded it somewhat so I want to smooth it out first. I have the BX24 with the FEL and BH and a tiller. Do I need a chain harrow ? a rake ? a rear blade ? Thanks guys ! Looking forward to you answers. I've added a picture. The area is about 30ft wide by 200ft long.

 

[tony123]

I'm no expert, but can tell you how I'm doing some areas like that. First, I think it's best to first try and use the tools you have already. However, if you think seeding large areas will be a job you repeat often, you I would consider other purchases.

I have a tiller, so I set the depth on the tiller to about an inch or two and use that to "scarify". I spread my seed with a walk behind and then used a hand rake to cover the seed. The hand rake wasn't bad, as the tiller left it nice and loose.

I used a borrowed disc harrow last fall, and think the tiller is doing a better job. The tiller is slow however. So If I had much more than an acre, I would prefer the disc.

 

[flstnhd]

Thanks Tony....that's what I am kinda thinking. It's not a very big area and not too far gone yet. I think turning an inch or two over will be enough to fill it in. Just wanted another opinion from someone who's been there. I am thinking about a chain harrow though for the somewhat established areas and for a food plot I'm thinking about doing.

 

[MarkV]

I find that a home made drag can be very effective for smoothing an area after a light tilling. A drag can be made from many different things like angle iron, logs, tires, old fencing, metal bed springs, 6x6 or whatever. Of course a chain harrow does a great job but before spending the bucks you might try a home made drag to see if you are happy with the results.

MarkV

 

[flstnhd]

Thanks Mark. My neighbor has an old set of bed springs and some old fencing lying around.I'll have to try that.

 

[RonR]

After you spread the seed, I'd drive your tractor over it to pack it down some. Will help push the seed in and keep it from eroding.

ron

 

[dixie306]

Thanks Mark. My neighbor has an old set of bed springs and some old fencing lying around.I'll have to try that.

bed springs work great on food plots too! the best drag I ever had is about a seven foot length of telephone pole that I wrapped a piece of chain link fence around, I still use it at times to cover larger seed.