What is the best grass seed/type for sandy soil?
Posted by davidawesomelandscaping
I live in Northern Indiana. My soil is pretty much all sand. The property is wooded so there is a lot of competition for water (and the trees always win). It seems when i finally get grass to grow…. it washes away with a heavy rain. Thanks for the help!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:30 am
You’ll have a better results if you work more organic matter into the sandy soil. The fallen leaves/needles of the trees can provide some of the organic matter. If you are trying for a lawn consider using sod. If you are looking for a ground cover consider Blue Dune Lyme Grass-Elymus arenarius. This grass is drought tolerant and extremely agressive but has been a problem in some areas around the Great Lakes so check with your county extension agent before planting it.
January 24th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Living in Indiana, you have to go with a cool season turfgrass species. Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue and Poa trivialis are your main choices. You mentioned you have a lot of trees. If it is very shady, go with the bluegrass or ryegrass, they should be okay. Also, since the trees are competing for the water, you probably need to water more.