New Seeded Lawn w/large cracks

dlm · Joined: 23 Jul 2003 Posts: 1

I just recently purchased a new home w/o sod in back. I seeded in June and have some grass. What concerns me is that, I have large cracks and I'm not sure what to fill them with, if anything. I've been told sand or fill it back in with the same black clay fill. HELP, I need someone that know what I really need to do. Thanks.

DLM

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Cracks in the lawn have always seemed to me an open door for adding ammendments such as compost and perhaps a bit of dry molasses. When the rains come and the cracks close the compost will already have made its way into the soil. It is far better than tilling. I certainly would not suggest sand. Sand + black clay = concrete :wink:

Dchall_San_Antonio · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 2001 Location: San Antonio,TEXAS

Sand and black clay certainly are not the ideal recipe for soil, but as a technicality, they do not equal concrete. They make a mess, though.

I agree with filling with finished compost. In fact, is it too late to cover up the whole thing with an inch of compost and wait until the next seeding season?

What kind of grass did you plant in June? It better have been bermuda because that's the only grass left that will germinate in the heat. If so, you might be okay this year. If not, don't expect a miracle this season. What kind of grass would you really like there?

Cement, sand, rocks, and water = concrete. Without the cement, you can recover from anything. Even 100 year old adobe bricks turn to mud when wet.