Burlap to help grass grow over thin soil

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Jack Rose, Jun 2, 2005.

  1. Jack Rose

    Jack Rose New Member

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    Location:
    Lawrence, Kansas, USA
    I am installing some drainage to dry up a wet area. I need to plant grass over the drain tubes. I plan to use fescue sod and do not have much depth. The four inch drain tubes have crushed around them and I need something to hold the soil in place. Woud it work to put a layer or two of burlap over the tubes and then a thin covering of soil, maybe an inch thick. The sod will be about 18 inches wide and and will have other grass around it. Would the roots of the sod spread out to cover the 18 inches of rock covered with a thin layer of soil over the burlap?

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    Jack Rose
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Possibly too damp for fescue. To have an area work as a lawn, the main thing is to have the correct growing environment for the grass, after that being able to get a suitable surface to mow.
     
  3. owentorgerson

    owentorgerson Member

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    Valemount, BC
    Burlap is commonly used in the golf industry to help keep the underlying soil damp during germination stages of growth. If using sod-based turf (fescue, blue grass, etc), you will want the roots to establish quickly - one way would be to apply a higher potassium content fertilizer for encouragement, for example 6-0-18 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). However, in the overall picture, fescue thrives in a dryer environment. Good luck with your project.

    O
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Potassium is unlikely to be deficient in soils that are not very sandy and acidic or have been heavily farmed.
     
  5. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    isn't Phosphorous the element usually associated with root encouragement?
     
  6. douglas

    douglas Active Member 10 Years

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    Hi ALL and Jack Rose a few questions

    What are drain tubes? /ie /solid / perfed? /diameter?)

    How deep?

    Are they draining the house run off/ or the yard?
     
  7. douglas

    douglas Active Member 10 Years

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    Hi all

    I is confused ( and agree with Paul) I was taught that N (nitrogen)is for green/

    Phosphorus (is for root )

    Potassium (for seed/ fruit growth)

    Generally speaking .

    regards Doug
     

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