Ground getting tore up--what to do about the grass

[huntingislife]

We are getting a new septic system put in in a few weeks. What should I do with the bare dirt that is left. Should I worry about seeding now? Or do I just leave it and deal with it in the spring? The contractor also mentioned they could bring in black topsoil for the top layer. We have pretty sandy soil, is this something I should consider doing? I dont really know anything abhout lawns so I am kind of clueless here. Thanks for the help.

[sparcebag]

If ya look through here I've asked if I waited for snow to scatter grass seed,(so birds dont eat it)All replies were good,one stated he planted spring,summer,fall,and winter.The winter seeding came out best for him.I'm yet waiting for that snow report,I'm sittin on 48 lbs of seed for as far as it will go on 3/4 + acre.

[huntingislife]

Sounds good, I will just wait for the snow then.

[heavyduty]

maybe want to apply straw or othere mulch to help prevent wash out of your mound from the lack of grass and plus will help with moisture retention after grass seed is applied.

[Shack]

Plus the straw will help against your new system freezing up this winter and the above comment as well.

[huntingislife]

Thanks guys. It sounds like the contractor was going to put straw down afterwards anyway. Should I have him put down black topsoil also?

[hotrod1]

It depends on the sand. I have 2 acres of lawn in East Bethel that was grown on sand. It use to be farmland and has a little peat in the soil. The lawn looks like a golf course fairway. I never added any black dirt. the key is to apply fertilizer and water when needed. Also making sure your lawn gets plenty of sunlight and air movement.

IMO, i would save the money on black dirt and use it towards fertilizer when you need it...unless its a real powdery sand.

Here is a picture of my lawn. not the best picture coming from my cell phone but its ok.

[huntingislife]

We are on Lake George in Oak Grove and it seems like a medium sand I would say. Maybe I will just pass on the black dirt for now since the rest of the yard probably doesnt have it anyway.

[LwnmwnMan2]

The main property you're going to get out of the black dirt is water retention.

Sand will have water sift through it quite quickly, black dirt (decent, not just peat) will retain water longer, clay will more or less repel water.

I would suggest having the dirt put on if you're having a mound system put in. If it's a traditional (in ground) system then you're not going to have as much of an issue.

The mound will have a hard time holding moisture on the hill with just the sand, because the water will just run down through the soil quickly.

It'll still happen with black dirt, but not as quickly.

If you're having a "flat" system put in, then the ground over it and around it is all the same level, so you're not going to have rain / sprinkler runoff as quickly.