A lush, soft, beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Water, grass seed, and fertilizer all play a part, but the key (often overlooked) factor is your topsoil.
If you’re spending these chilly winter months dreaming of relaxing in your beautiful backyard in Joppa, now is the time to plan it. A lush, soft, beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Water, grass seed, and fertilizer all play a part, but the key (often overlooked) factor is your topsoil.
What is Topsoil?
The topsoil is the layer where organic matter decays and breaks down. This decay cycle coupled with the action of the bugs and microbes that help it along creates an active soil area that is better aerated and richer in nutrients than the lower layers of subsoil on your Joppa lawn.
Why It Matters
The subsoil, under the topsoil, is often very compacted, has poor aeration, and it usually does not retain moisture or nutrients well. All of this means that it is hard for plant roots to work into the subsoil and even if they did there wouldn’t be much there to help them thrive. So most of the root action for plants, especially grass, happens in the topsoil. This means you need a thick layer of quality topsoil to give your plants and grass their best shot to thrive in your Joppa garden.
Quality Topsoil
Most grasses grow roots that are between 4 and 6 inches long, so that’s the thickness of topsoil you should aim for. You also want topsoil that has some mineral content and good, rich organic matter. When you check your topsoil, it should be very dark, preferable nearly black – this is an indicator of how much organic matter is in the soil. When you rub the soil between your fingers, it should feel slightly gritty (from the minerals); if it feels too sandy or clumpy like clay, it likely isn’t as good quality as it should be.
Improving Your Soil
You can buy topsoil, or you can try to improve the soil you already have. If you’re buying topsoil, buy enough to cover your whole area with 4-6” (your square footage multiplied by 1/3 or 1/2). Till up the top 2-3” of the soil you have and then lay down your purchased topsoil in an even layer and till it into the existing soil, so there’s a smooth transition. If you’re opting to improve the soil you have, make sure that you have 4-6” of topsoil to work with. If you do, work 2-3” of compost into the topsoil to improve the organic matter content and drainage.
Trust Lehnhoff’s Supply and Design for All Your Soil Needs!
Lehnhoff’s Landscaping is delighted to introduce Lehnhoff’s Supply and Design. We seek to fulfill all of your landscape supply and landscape design needs no matter what project you’re looking to complete. We are based in Fallston, Maryland and are eager to lend you our expertise and materials. Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047. Call us at 410-510-7646 or drop us a line via email at lehnhoffsupply@gmail.com. Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+! We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne.
In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
