Improving terrible soil in a lawn?

[Dave]

I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
semi-expert opinions? Thanks.

[Peter H]

"Dave" > wrote in message
om...
> I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
> miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
> fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
> clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
> or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
> semi-expert opinions? Thanks.

Shady area need less fertilization not more. That might be part of your
problem.

I've had great success w/ Creeping Red Fescue in southern Ontario, Canada
for shady areas. It never fills in like Bluegrass, but seems to take in very
tough situations.

Peter H

[Srgnt Bilko]

"Dave" > wrote in message
om...
> I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
> miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
> fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
> clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
> or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
> semi-expert opinions? Thanks.

Not even a "semi" here - but I have clay, clay, and more clay - and the
grass keeps growing - but for the most part it is very wet in the spring.
There is a "clay buster" avaailable but the name is not coming to me right
now. Somebody will come up with it - it's a common solution - and availble
at most garden centers around here.

[RoyDMercer]

"Dave" > wrote in message
om...
> I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
> miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
> fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
> clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
> or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
> semi-expert opinions? Thanks.

I think you have the right idea. The best way to improve clay soil is by
adding organic material. The organic material will encourage earth worm and
beneficial microbe activity.

[J.Caldwell]

Ya but...It's puzzling how folks spend so much time and concern on their
lawn but show no interest what's above. If the tree is causing a significant
part of the problem, why not prune it so it will provide more light?
Arborists will recommend pruning at least every four or five years. When I
was in a local garden club I was surprized that not one member had any tree
work done until some storm blew the damned things over.
"Dave" > wrote in message
om...
> I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
> miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
> fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
> clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
> or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
> semi-expert opinions? Thanks.

[Chet Hayes]

"RoyDMercer" > wrote in message >...
> "Dave" > wrote in message
> om...
> > I have a section of lawn in a shady area that seems to have become too
> > miserable to keep grass growing thickly. The grass is sparse. Applying
> > fertilizer and grass seed does not seem to have much effect. It is
> > clay soil and well packed. I don't know if I need to apply something
> > or simply give up and rototill in a load of horse manure? Any
> > semi-expert opinions? Thanks.
>
> I think you have the right idea. The best way to improve clay soil is by
> adding organic material. The organic material will encourage earth worm and
> beneficial microbe activity.


First thing I'd check is if there are tree surface roots in the area.
It's impossible to grow grass with species like Norway maples in the
area. Trees like these have surface roots that take all the nutrients
and choke off the grass.

I agree with adding organic material. I'd do it by renting a core
aerator which will punch holes in the soil and help reduce the
compaction. After aeration, spread the organic material, which will
make it's way into the holes. If you get this done now, you can
reseed with a good shade mix in the fall.