Seeding new yard

[npsmokefan]

I am finally finishing up building our new cabin on a lake and now have to start thinking about the yard work. The soil on our lot is nearly all sand & gravel. There is very little top soil if any. Is there a grass seed that will grow and survive in this soil. I am not to concerned about the over all look of the yard just want to cover it with some grass so the kids have a place to play. I don't want to have to spend all my time nursing the yard to keep it green while watching other people out fishing. Is there a hardy grass seed that can survive?

[Boogaard]

Good Luck! I live in a sandy soil area and grass did not stand a chance until i put in irrigation and SOD.! if your not going to put sod down id make sure you have some black dirt brought in or something otherwise i think it will be a lost cause!

[Tom7227]

You should look at gathering some info on the best ways to landscape near lakes. If it's all new you are at the perfect time to do it in a way that minimizes the impact on the lake.

Sand and grass don't mix. Look at what's left of the native vegitation and you'll get a real good idea of what will work.

[Quetico]

Sounds like a good case for my old favorite No-mow fescue. Top dress the site with 1-2" of black dirt so it can get rooted thru that. No-mow has a deeper root system so it can handle the dry sandy soil better without any irrigation. As always with new seedings make sure to use an erosion control blanket. Leave a natural buffer between your lawn and lake shore.

Where is your cabin?

If you have issues or questions about no-mow feel free to email me at [email protected].

[npsmokefan]

Thanks for the input. The cabin is south east of Alexandria. I have already look into what can be done with the shore line with the dnr. We own over 400ft. of shoreline and we plan to cut out a small area only for a beach and dock to go in and out. Most of the yard is behind a line of trees on the shore line that is over grown with weeds and we plan to leave that. So the yard really shouldn't affect any of the shoreline. We know people near our place there and they do have grass that is growing in the same soil. Grant it, they don't have to mow much during the warmer months as the grass can get very dry, put it has survived for many years. And I am fine with not mowing, just need something to cover the ground.

[paul pachowicz]

sand and seed don't mix??? How's come "california" type putting greens are 100% sand while many greens are 85/15 % sand/soil? Lush lush stands of grass there.

[croixflats]

Quitico is right, you can get a straight fescue at your local garden center Be sure to add some annual rye to it for quick greenery this stuff groes about anywhere