Question
Hi,
After 6 years in this house, and one failed attempt to start over with a new lawn, I think I have one more hope: new topsoil. I'm in central Indiana, with a back yard that just won't cooperate! I killed and reseeded the lawn two summers ago but by the end of that summer the soil was again compacted clay -- like a rock. How can I tell if I should replace the topsoil? And if I do need new topsoil, do I need to take away what's there or can I simply add right on top? Thanks!

Answer
Brett:

Central Indiana, generally, has the alluvial soil deposited by the glaciers.  It is rich and productive.  Local variations can occur.  All soils compact during droughts except pure sand.

I have worked with some very poor soils on projects and amended most of them with compost.  Unless you have bedrock or a contaminated soil, you should be able to add compost and have good results.  Timing of the seeding is critical.  In your area, I would guess that April and September are prime times.

Find a source of professional grade compost and do one of two methods:
1.  Add gracious amounts of compost, two ro three yards per thousdand square feet, to the soil, till, grade and sew.

2.  Prepare the site, sew the grass, and topdress with 3/8 inch of compost.

A professional grade compost will have been made by thermophilic process (above 131 deg. F), have a known nutrient content and small particles (like coffee or clay soils).  It will replace lime, fertilizer and straw for seeding and provide nutrients over several years.  Add fertilizer as needed for fall or spring green up.

If the site is graded properly and to your satisfaction, you may attempt to overseed the area rather than renovate it.  In this case, use method two above without tilling.  I would aerate the area deeply(core or spoon tine aerator), sew and topdress.  This method will be less expensive, but, probably, require overseeding in the fall to thicken the stand.

The drought this year on the east coast has caused many farmers and landscapers to replant grass.  I expect that you suffered from a drought in your area the year you described.  Do not give up.  A lawn requires constant attention and overseeding for quality maintenance.

Best wishes.