How To Compact New Topsoil

How to Compact New Topsoil | Build a Robust Base

by
You also have to understand the type of soil and what it needs for improvement. If you’re planning to compact new topsoil but can’t figure out how then you are in the right place.
Since compacting topsoil is not something easy to do, that’s why you need a proper guide that will convey the basic information and what you need to do in order to compact topsoil perfectly, step by step.
Here in this article, we have tried to cover everything you need to know about compacting new topsoil
Table Of Contents show

How To Compact New Topsoil Using Water

Compacting the new topsoil means creating a strong foundation for plants to grow throughout the year. You can increase the seed to soil contact using water. Compacting the new topsoil using water can make the surface mild enough for the plants to breakthrough.
In this article how to compact new topsoil, we prepared some simple steps to compact new topsoil using water.

Things You Will Need

  • Hand tamper
  • Sprinkler
  • Broom rake
  • Bow rake
  • Spray nozzle
  • Garden hose
  • Soaker hose
  • Lawn roller

Step: 1 

The number of open pores or open space within soil particles. Low soil porosity is present in compacted soil. It’s difficult for plant roots to spread if the soil is compacted even though some compaction is needed to provide contact between plant roots or seeds and soil.
If you are going to replace or repair an existing lawn, the first thing you need to do is remove the existing grass. It will prevent your ground from having an excessive organic layer in the soil and potentially impair drainage

Step: 2

You might want to use a weed killer if your existing lawn contains unwanted grass. To remove the unwanted grass, you can use a sod cutter or roto-tiller and then remove the old grass to an off-site location.

Step: 3

You definitely want to make your lawn more user friendly and to do that you need to change the grades of your lawn. And then the next step would be to determine positive drainage, which is away from buildings and towards drainage outlets is very important.

Step: 4

If you feel like the quality of your soil needs improvement, then consider leaving enough space for the addition of soil amendments.

Step: 5

The next step would be to ensure that you have quality topsoil. Topsoil that has up to 75% sand content by volume and also has a compacted depth of 4” is the best. And we recommend using that. If the existing soil does not flow well, then you might want to amend it with the help of sand and roto-till in it.
The layer of soil below the topsoil can create drainage issues if it’s excessively compact. You may need to install a draining tie in the case of limited surface drainage and compacted subsoil.

Step: 6

Since the water helps by filling in the open pore space and settling the soil, that’s why you can use water in compact soil.

Step: 7

To compact the new topsoil, you have to rake the soil smooth and flat by using a broom rake or bow rake. Use the backside of the rake as well. Any rocks and garden debris should be removed from the soil as you work.
And then, spray the ground with the help of a gentle mist or slow trickle of water. Continue this way just until the water begins to pool on the surface. A garden hose with a low-pressure spray nozzle can be used.

Step: 8

The low pressure and drip systems work the best because the soil moves on the surface and usually runs off the surface before it has time to drain into the ground when high-pressure water is used. Allow about for some time as one hour for the water to drain deep into the surface.

Step: 9

Water for a second time into the soil, just until the water begins to pool up on the surface. It would be best if you waited for the water to drain in the soil. Repeat this process until the soil is well compacted, and the water no longer flows into the soil quickly.

Step: 10

Clay soil drains more slowly than sandy soil and has lower low soil porosity. So you should repeat the process more times with sandy soil; this way, you can achieve more excellent compaction with clay soil, as a result of the low soil porosity.

Step: 11

It would help if you graded the topsoil after you brought the necessary amendments. You may want to level the soil by dragging a wooden ladder or similar object after spreading the ground, to achieve a smooth surface.
The grades are supposed to be kept 3/4 below the finished grade. Such as sidewalks or border.

Step: 12

The soil can be compacted with a water-filled roller. You can also compact the soil with your feet by templing the ground. The soil should be compact enough after you Have completed the finishing grading and compacting of the soil.

Step: 13

You can buy fertilizer at your local retail store, or with your sod order. It’s called ‘sod or seed starter’ or similar. Make sure to apply the fertilizer at recommended rates. Otherwise, you can use organic fertilizer.

Step: 14

When it is installed on the same day, first, lay one row of sod around the perimeter of the area. After that, fill in the area and the joints in a brick-like are putting fashion by staggering.
The best would be to start laying the sod along, a long straight edge. And then lay the sod close together without leaving gaps or even lapping.

Step: 15

You can use planks or strips of plywood and avoid walking on the sod if it rains, during installation or a little after rainfall. Because the ground has become soft and will leave footprints, which are challenging to deal with.

Step: 16

Cut the sod with the help of a sharp knife to tie the edges. Don’t make gaps larger than 1/2.

Step: 17

You can roll the sod after installation, but it is not required. The sod is sand or sand loam-based, and that’s why it will Naturally lay flat as soon as water applied.

Step: 18

With the help of a lawn roller or hand tamper, or walk over the moist soil to pack the soil. Only If you desire more excellent compaction in new topsoil, perform this step

Step: 19

A critical aspect of the growth in your new lawn is water. You want to avoid both over-watering and under-watering. When it is warm weather, then you may have to start watering as soon as you have a section installed.
If you don’t water enough, the under watering will cause the sod to wilt and shrink. Leaving gaps, and death spots.

Step: 20

If you overwater the soil, it will result in poor root establishment and potential dieback and algae formation. If you water your soil through an automatic sprinkler.
The timer can become a reason for overwatering because automatic sprinkler systems work by setting on a timer. Therefore regular monitoring of the water requirements a key. And that is watering correctly.

Conclusion

New topsoil can be compacted perfectly if you can give hard work, time, and proper care. Compacting new topsoil is not easy to do.
but If you are willing to compact your new topsoil correctly, it might not be as hard as it seems. Here is how to compact new topsoil, we tried to deliver proper information. We hope our article was helpful to you.