Phisherman wrote:
On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 07:37:34 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

I need to fix a yard that has ruts due to moles and erosion that
increased the depth of the ruts to be deep enough to twist an ankle.
I figured that I could roll the lawn to decrease the depth of the ruts
and then fill in the remaining crevices with topsoil.

I do have a septic system, so one question I have is whether or not to
use the roller over the septic, or just avoid that area.

Are the rollers available at the local lawn and garden (280lbs when
full of water) effective or what weight range do I need to consider (I
have a lawn tractor to pull it with)?

Or should I rent a roller from a supply store?

Should I avoid the septic area, or is it all right to roll it once
every x-number years?

Will the roller (at whatever weight) do the job of compressing the
lawn, or should get topsoil first to assist with the leveling process?

Should I aerate any area prior to rolling, in order to get more
compaction in the trouble areas?

TIA,
Dave


Rolling is not good for a lawn because it causes compaction, not what
you want for a nice lawn. Besides, I think it's easier to fill in
the low areas with 1" or so of topsoil. I use a bow rake. Do this
twice a year and you should be done in a year or two. Once you have
thick grass growing there should be very little erosion, if at all.

Strange how the very best grass surfaces, such as tennis courts, golf
greens, and the estates where they play croquet, are all rolled.

A lawn does need to be aerated, but the only way to prevent heaving of
the soil, particularly where there is freezing, is a program of rolling.
Thats not to say you can't have a lawn without rolling, but without
rolling the soil will not be smooth. Having said that, I don't roll my
lawn regularly, but when I put in a new lawn, I roll to get a smooth
surface, then live with the lumps that develop.