Des Moines Lawn Renovation

Contact Person: Jennifer Welch

Phone: 515-964-1883, Ext. 3

Practice: Soil Quality Restoration, Native Landscaping & Turf, Roadside Plantings

Project Designer:

Soil-Tek

Rainfall Managed:

1.25" rainfall which equals 166,000 gallons per year

Project Description:

Over time we watched as water rain across the sidewalk from under the sod. Year after year we witnessed sandy compacted clay subsoil and dried-out conditions dominate our yard.

After a couple years the grass started to give up and it looked like we would have to start from scratch. But rather than re-seed and start from the beginning again we decided to try a compost amendment.â€ â€“ Landowner Paul Miller

To remedy the problems the lawn was aerated and a Â¾ inch layer of compost and turfgrass seed was spread over the entire lawn surface in the fall of 2003. In the spring of 2005 a Â½ inch layer of compost was spread. The compost worked down into the soil and has provided a greener healthier lawn that can hold water to be used by the turf.

County: Polk

Construction Start Date: 2003

Construction Completion Date: 2003

Cost Per Square Foot:

$.25 per square foot; can be less expensive for do-it-yourselfers

Performance to Date:

Soil quality has increased based on organic matter content testing. The soils are richer the grass stays greener and takes less fertilizers and water to keep the look the owner desires in a turfgrass yard.

Maintenance:

No maintenance is required.