Ok we installed a pool last year and need to get some sod down ASAP. I have been looking at how to prep the area but after reading all these different articles my head is spinning.
Here's the situation: Our yard is what I would call clay and small rocks. We had some top soil put aside last year to put down after everything was done but the concrete guy mixed it in when he was grading the area.
Here are my concerns.
1. The clay. It puddles in some spots but not a whole lot. I have read 10 pages of google results on this. Most say you must bring in 4-6 in of soil and till it into the clay. Then others swear it makes no difference and to just use gypsum for a few years. They say if you being in top soil it will make a valley under the soil even if tilled since the tiller can only go so deep. I really don't want to bring in new soil as it would put me above the concrete deck, so I would have to remove some before adding it. Big PITA when you have a wife that wanted grass last year.
2. Gravel. There is gravel in varying parts of the yard from the pool install. Do I have to pick out every single piece before laying sod? It is not deep in any spot just a few here and there.
I am not trying to cut any corners but if I can get some fairly decent looking grass on top of soil/clay/rock with a little more maintenance that's what I want.
Thanks for any advice you have.
Here's the situation: Our yard is what I would call clay and small rocks. We had some top soil put aside last year to put down after everything was done but the concrete guy mixed it in when he was grading the area.
Here are my concerns.
1. The clay. It puddles in some spots but not a whole lot. I have read 10 pages of google results on this. Most say you must bring in 4-6 in of soil and till it into the clay. Then others swear it makes no difference and to just use gypsum for a few years. They say if you being in top soil it will make a valley under the soil even if tilled since the tiller can only go so deep. I really don't want to bring in new soil as it would put me above the concrete deck, so I would have to remove some before adding it. Big PITA when you have a wife that wanted grass last year.
2. Gravel. There is gravel in varying parts of the yard from the pool install. Do I have to pick out every single piece before laying sod? It is not deep in any spot just a few here and there.
I am not trying to cut any corners but if I can get some fairly decent looking grass on top of soil/clay/rock with a little more maintenance that's what I want.
Thanks for any advice you have.