This is an excellent opportunity to mix compost into the topsoil before sowing the seeds across the yard.

You can cover grass seed with compost, but using too much can block sunlight and oxygen from reaching the seeds during their critical growth period.

Seeds might be able to grow in topsoil without compost, but seeds can’t grow in compost without topsoil.

If you’re applying pure seed to the ground, a layer of topsoil should always be put down first rather than after.

Keep in mind that you want to integrate the grass seed with the compost with a light raking.

Once established, however, it spreads slowly. Unlike aggressive Kentucky bluegrass, which spreads by underground stems called rhizomes, perennial ryegrass is a bunch-forming grass. Like tall fescue, it naturally grows in clumps and spreads through vertical shoots known as tillers, rather than spreading by rhizomes or horizontal above-ground stems, known as stolons.

Motion sensor sprinklers are the best remedy I’ve found against cats. And it’s quite hilarious to see them run for their lives on cctv after they’ve turned up in front of one

Is a lawn roller necessary? It is spring, and I imagine the soil in your yard is lumpy because of the frost that occurred in the previous months. This is why you think a lawn roller is necessary. Well, unless you’re maintaining a golf course, I wouldn’t recommend a lawn roller. It just isn’t necessary.

Alternative ways to flatten a bumpy lawn

Dig out some soil under the high spots Simply wait till late spring and mark out the high spots in your lawn. Dig up some of the soil underneath these areas, and remove the excess soil causing the high spots. Return the grass as you would sod, and you’ll notice the lawn is flat again.

If the grass does not fill up the spots properly, remember to add some sprigs or grass seed in order to fill-up the bare spots.

Most would argue a cardboard drum is better than options like grease drums. The reason for this is that a cardboard drum does not have ridges on it, so it can level the yard properly. Another advantage of this homemade lawn-roller equipment is that it is lightweight and as such won’t lead to soil compaction.

If you’re installing new sod, you may use a light roller to make sure the pieces come into close contact with soil for the roots to grow and take hold.

There are times when you may need to flatten a bumpy lawn. For example, a golf course or a cricket pitch may be rolled to attain a smooth, level surface for playing. This is when a lawn roller may be needed.

In short, here’s why a lawn roller may not be necessary for your lawn: Using heavy rollers on the ground leads to soil compaction.Compacted soil causes slow root development and slower turfgrass growth.

Use a leveling drag instead of a grass seed roller If you’re smoothing the lawn to cultivate it, a leveling drag may suffice.

1. Use Plywood (alternative when laying sod) One of the most inexpensive alternatives to lawn rollers is that sheet of plywood lying around your home. Plus, it’s amazingly simple to use. Follow these steps to help your sod bond with the soil…. Step 1: Place a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of plywood on your new lawn. Step 2: Walk over it to press your sod solidly into the soil. We suggest that you invite a friend, if possible, to walk alongside you. The plywood distributes the applied weight evenly and will have an impact similar to a commercial lawn roller.

Our advice is to let the neighborhood borrow the tool (you can also rent it out) since there is no value in having it lying idle for the larger part of the year.

What can I use in place of a lawn roller?I raked in some bags of top soil and reseeded a very large section of my lawn (a walkway was moved) but the area is very soft and you sink in about 4 inches if you step there.Is there something I can use instead of a lawn roller? I don't have one...

Water it regularly and stamp it down gently. To avoid footprint shaped holes, try putting a plank of wood on the ground and stamping on it, then move it over a few inches and repeat.You should not plant grass seed on a soft bed -- it needs firm soil to do well. If the area is soft, it will settle over the next few months and leave you with a dip in the ground.

On seeded lawns its unnecessary. Sod is tamped good for good root / soil contact.

You could just tramp it down with your feet. Or use a board to walk on to compress the area. You may have to add more dirt to the area and re-re-seed.

Nice man👍 You have to get is as level as you can, since you reel mow.

that of proposing a plan for its buildings; and they are of opinion that it should consist of distinct houses or pavilions, arranged at proper distances on each side of a lawn of a proper breadth, & of indefinite extent in one direction at least, in each of which should be a lecturing room with from two to four apartments for the accommodation of a professor and his family: that these pavilions should be united by a range of Dormitories, sufficient each for the accommodation of two students only, this provision being deemed advantageous to morals, to order, & to uninterrupted study; and that a passage of some kind under cover from the weather should give a communication along the whole range