Then pick an area to have a much smaller rectangle or circle of grass that has some sunlight coming through. I have an area on my property where there is really hard packed, dense gravel. Over time, given lack of maintenance, an old gravel car park can seem a bit worn out. I would recommend you remove the gravel, prepare your soil. Request a Quote (859-635-5680) And We Will Contact You Shortly! Turf needs at least six inches good drained soil to establish well rooted lawn. parafly9. Basically, its been a parking lot for decades, so the gravel is really packed in and compressed. Applying compost is usually done by hand, either by applying piles of it and spreading it with a large pushbroom, or manually dropping it with large scoop type tools (I make my own by cutting the bottoms off gallon OJ containers). Really prep the soil with the 4 way type top soil mix before you put new sod down - and buy the sun and shade sod that only needs 2 hours of sunlight. You will need a *minimum* of 4" of topsoil over that gravel to get grass to take and establish. Like the smothering method of killing grass, a quality membrane will cut short any light and air to the soil beneath and nothing will grow. Typically, you’ll need to dig between 50mm to 300mm to really get to that solid level of subsoil, though you may prefer to dig a little deeper to get the desired decorative effect you’re going for in your gravel driveway, providing it is safe to do so. Once again, the soil must be adequately raked and graded for proper drainage. This will also help water drain away from the concrete. It is also easy to work with and spread, even when wet and will provide a stable, level base for laying turf or sowing lawn seed. Topsoil contains organic matter and is likely to shift or settle over time. *** Image source: Shutterstock / Vladimir Borozenets The soil will compress over time, so it's best to make it about 1 inch higher than the surrounding grass. Is it a case of putting down a layer of hardcore mix followed by weedblock and then layer of gravel. Spread slow-release fertilizer over the top of the soil. Clay soil… Once grass has become established, water it every 3 days. Adding soil over grass is also not the cheapest option in lawn repair. But yes, you can add topsoil over the grass on your lawn. Turf given a chance will root deeply but can survive on about 4inches. How much grass and topsoil should be removed? Install 2X4 edging with stakes, line the bottom with landscape fabric then install your 4" crushed gravel (3/8 minus if you can find this smaller size rather than 5/8 minus). Fill up a bucket and then gently spread the topsoil over the area. Spread 2 inches of the mixture over the ground and work it 6 inches deep into the soil with a rake. garden image by Krzysztof Gebarowski from Fotolia.com. There is also a lot of old brick and blocks of concrete in the garden which are ready to be skipped. After you remove rocks or the top few inches of soil and loosen soil in an area, however, adding topsoil gives a soft landing place for grass seeds and the resulting new grass roots to grow. Otherwise it will grow back up and is a problem to mow or weed wack because of the gravel. Never amend sandy soil with clay, as grass will struggle to grow in such a hard soil consistency. Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. I am trying to plant grass over a large area 30x100. The soil should be clear and raked level. The size of the garden is about 50 SQMTs. You have to water 3 times a day to help the sod set roots. Discussion in 'Lawns' started by dortmunder, Jul 12, 2016. dortmunder Apprentice Gardener. Sandy, gravel-filled soil, while providing well-drained, healthy conditions for some plant life, poses difficulties for grass growth. Laying sod is an easier way than spreading grass seeds to get a thick, lush lawn over gravel. Before you lay down grass sod or spread grass seed, establish a healthy layer of soil in which the sod or seeds can grow. Our 1 tonne bags provide twice this, and are safe to store if ventilated and able to naturally dry. Good luck! If you've ever mulched a landscape bed with gravel, you know that grass -- and weeds -- can grow in gravel. Break up the soil beneath the gravel, using a spade and rake. The problem with large rocks is that they leave open spaces for grass to grow. Likewise, what can I put over gravel? Lawn grasses are capable of growing in much less hospitable conditions than many other plants, mainly because lawn grasses grow the majority of their roots in the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Grass typically requires a high level of moisture to remain lush and vigorous, and neither sand nor gravel retain water well. How Much Soil to Use . Topsoil is the necessary top 2 to 10 inches of soil in any lawn or garden. You'll need 400mm of topsoil for the best results, which means you'll need 40 cubic metres of topsoil. How to Grow Grass on Gravel. Plant it in the summer so it has time to set roots before winter. The fact is, each tuft of grass in turf is a plant, and plants grow better in good soil, and just because it's grass, it doesn't mean it won't mind being grown over lumps of debris, with or without topsoil placed over. Otherwise, to be right, this driveway needs dug up and either rototilled in with great amounts of manure, or the soil outright replaced. I want to extend my backyard out a little. Plus, the roots will likely grow through the soil you just added before long. 0 … 1 square yard of our popular multipurpose topsoil, measured to the standard 35cm depth favoured by many gardeners for everyday root veg crops like potatoes and carrots, would require 450kg of topsoil. Sow seed grass over a lawn area by feeding it into a rolling broadcast spreader. Experimenting on a small scale at first is recommended to be sure that any additions are worthwhile and won't have damaging effects on workability of the soil. I spoke to a builder and he recommended using the old brick etc to level off the garden and then place topsoil and grass over that. I would like to lay turf on it, so I was wondering how much topsoil I should put in on top of the chalk for the turf to grow. You could attempt to cover up the gravel with a grass lawn, but sod will not put down roots there and seed may not establish well in the compacted soil beneath the rocks. Lawn grass needs a layer of topsoil that is at least 6 inches thick in the beginning. I spoke to a builder and he recommended using the old brick etc to level off the garden and then place topsoil and grass over that. Adding materials to clay can also make the clay less stable, so the soil becomes harder to manage. Aerate. If it is not, go elsewhere. Regular amendments to sand or gravel conditions can improve soil retention and allow drought-tolerant grass varieties to flourish. If the concrete pad is surrounded by grass, add at least 2 inches of high-quality topsoil on top of the concrete. Grass will grow in around gravel if a proper seed bed is prepared. Moisture runs through these soil types faster than others, and the frequent watering they require also tends to wash away nutrients. So what is considered a "small amount?" Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of the organic matter across the entire planting site. Buy topsoil in bulk. University of California Integrated Pest Management Online: Soil Amendments, University of Alaska-Fairbanks Cooperative Extension: Establishing and Maintaining a Lawn in Southeast Alaska, California Turfgrass Culture: Matching Irrigation to Turfgrass Root Depth, How to Repair Grass That Your Dog Has Torn Up. She holds a master's degree in journalism. Before you lay down grass sod or spread grass seed, establish a healthy layer of soil in which the sod or seeds can grow. How to Lay Gravel Over Grass. Should I put a soak area (Small french drain) in also or will the hardcore base be enough long term. Because grass needs at least 4 inches of topsoil for healthy root growth, however, plan to make the topsoil layer about 12 inches thick; eventually, it will settle to about 6 inches thick. The best time to covert your gravel yard to grass is either in the spring or fall months. 100mm of of topsoil on top of that will, in my opinion, just dry out and be very difficult to grow even grass on. The more topsoil you order from us, the cheaper the price, so why not get together with a neighbour or your fellow allotment holders and buy in bulk? Both can be great materials to use on your property, but each has their individual purposes. paulferguson_67. It *can* work, but there are things to consider. How much topsoil to grow grass. p+p landscaping. Sandy soil? About Bray Topsoil & Gravel. A 2-inch layer of soil is about right. Topsoil and gravel delivered to you by Bray Trucking, a specialized aggregate hauler servicing the Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana region. Improve the soil's moisture retention with a mixture of compost or peat and loamy topsoil. It is able 12 inches thick of compacted dirt laced gravel. Trouble spots may need repeat applications, but regular, uniform top-dressing does not need to be an annual tradition. Water new grass daily, unless heavy rainfall is frequent. Buy topsoil in bulk That was about a month ago and it looks to me like … Gravel yards can't replace the natural beauty of turf grass. Over the course of a few years, the topsoil layer will settle to become 3 to 4 inches thick. Once you add more than 3 or 4 inches of soil, the amount of weeds and grass that will grow through starts to drop off dramatically. How much of the gravel do I need to remove and replace with topsoil for grass seed to grow and remain healthy? This would require 250kg per sq m (460lbs per sq yd) of grit or gravel. Before buying topsoil, ask how much it will settle; that information will help you determine how much to purchase. Before you lay down grass sod or spread grass seed, establish a healthy layer of soil in which the sod or seeds can grow. Grass growing in the sand is also more susceptible to drought and cold injury. The maintenance will be a lot easier, as you won’t have to pull weeds every couple of days. The Natural Reseeding of a Centipede Lawn. Using a dry topsoil and sand mix is much better for leveling uneven areas than putting sand on a lawn without mixing. Firstly is this a good idea and secondly how much topsoil would be needed on top of the hardcorde to give me a good lawn? Likewise, what can I put over gravel? Whether you start a lawn from seeds or use a vegetative planting method such as sod or plugs, the soil conditions largely determine how well the grass grows. Maybe somebody locally needs some gravel for their driveway instead. Without a good layer of topsoil, plants will not grow well, if at all. Seeds, sod and plugs all require at least 4 to 6 inches of good soil cover. Laying grass on top of gravel with a membrane underneath is not a good idea, drainage would be great but there is no soil for the roots to grow in and it would be impossible to walk on or mow. I usually scrape as much gravel as I can but leave the dirt packed gravel. You can put some straw or hay over the ground as this will help retain moisture. add peat to retain moisture. After you have the topsoil in place but before you lay grass sod or spread grass seeds, the planting site needs organic matter. Break up the concrete and ram it down with gravel on top then put a layer of good free draining soil on top. Will Letting My Lawn Go to Seed Help Grow More Grass? Rolawn Turf & Lawn Seeding Topsoil is a sandy, free flowing friable topsoil with added GroRight ® Lawn Establishment Fertiliser, specially formulated to encourage turf or grass seed to get off to the best possible start. No grass is going to grow very well over hardpan, which in essence is what your compacted gravel driveway is. Add 1 or 2 or more inches … Adding topsoil over tree roots presents some problems, too. Over the course of a few years, the topsoil layer will settle to become 3 to 4 inches thick. If this is not an issue, cover the area in a membrane sheet. I have an uneven back garden which i now want to level. In time grass will grow over the gravel and the drain should still function normally. Cut the lawn high to lessen the possibility of moisture loss through evaporation. Once the drain line is installed, coarse stone or gravel should then be put on top of the drain line leaving approximately 3–4 inches for topsoil for the lawn to grow in. (Grass and weeds will grow through soil 2 or 3 inches thick quite easily.) Gravel can be created naturally by the erosion of bigger rocks, or it is manufactured. Also, the layer of topsoil should be about 1/8 to ¼ inch thick. Shrub and tree roots penetrate deeper in soil. Topsoil is the necessary top 2 to 10 inches of soil in any lawn or garden. We recommend a depth of 4 to 6 inches to create successfully your new lawn. The topsoil you use shouldn't have a high water retention rate because laying soil over gravel produces that effect. Topsoil Calculator Use this topsoil calculator to find out how much topsoil you need to buy for your yard. Over time, the topsoil will compact and the grass roots may not be able to grow any more. Spread slow-release fertilizer over the top of the soil. I think this will solve the problems with heat, drainage, and nutrients. Will existing grass grow through layer of topsoil? … Any help would be appreciated. How much topsoil should be laid over hardcore before sowing grass seed? I am scraping off the loose gravel and want to know what the minimuim amount of top soil that i need. Level and smooth the graveled area with the rake. I have a french drain that is covered in crush stone that currently marks the perimeter of my lawn right now. Written on: July 14, 2020 . University of Missouri Extension: Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils http://ceventura.ucanr.edu/Gardening/Coastal/Landscape_578/Sandy_Soil/, University of Maryland Extension: Growing Green Lawns, University of Hawaii: Installing a New Lawn, How to Make an Environmentally Friendly Driveway. Whether or not the topsoil should be amended depends on the soil conditions and can be determined by a soil test. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. I say that because you can use a minimum of 4 inches of top soil and grow grass from seed, but know that during the heat of the summer it will go dormant quickly because it will be dry quickly. Just as the name suggests, a membrane is a layer which will stand between the gravel and the ground to prevent any weeds from growing. Exact rates can depend on moisture content, type of organic materials, geographic and economic location. As far as the ideal amount of topsoil is concerned, it is generally recommended to use about 4/10 cubic yards of topsoil for every 1000 square feet of yard. Measure with a tape measure the length and width of the gravel area on which you want to place the topsoil. Compost is an example of organic matter, and it is sold by garden supply stores. Gravel covered yards are popular because they do not use water, but gravel makes the yard hot and is difficult to walk on. Bray Topsoil & Gravel can deliver top quality soil and fill dirt directly to you in the Greater Cincinnati Area! Rake out and apply your seeds. Keep in mind that you’re adding soil, which over time will raise your grade and affect thatch breakdown and soil ecology, so don’t go overboard. To calculate how much topsoil you need, simply measure the dimensions of the area you wish to cover and multiply this by the depth required. Spread 2 inches of the mixture over the ground and work it 6 inches deep into the soil with a rake. The size of the garden is about 50 SQMTs. Take a roller over the area to pack it down and water it really good. Remove as much of the gravel as possible before laying the topsoil. How to lay topsoil over gravel. Prepare the soil for planting by tilling deeply, removing all weeds and rocks from the area. I would like to lay turf on it, so I was wondering how much topsoil I should put in on top of the chalk for the turf to grow. Bulk Topsoil Purchase Topsoil Screening In Action. Mix the gravel with the soil. If the drainage problem is severe, it is helpful to bring the gravel right to the top of the drain trench and leave it exposed. It’s suitable for almost every type of garden, it’s easy maintenance and there are many types to choose from. Take into account your location's climate: if it is very rainy, then a well-draining, sandy soil will work. Otherwise it will grow back up and is a problem to mow or weed wack because of the gravel. Best to have it done right as Killi said -- and I'd include a weed barrier before I added sand then gravel, or just abandon the gravel and leave it a grass driveway. Written by: Marguerite Lance. 10 x 15 x 0.15 = 22.5m 3. Keep the soil thick enough to support your sod so it doesn't dry out faster than the rest of your grass. Make seeding success is made more permanent -- and you'll save considerable annual labor -- by working 1 to 2 inches of a combination of well-rotted compost and topsoil into the top 4 inches of clean fill. Fertilize lightly once each month during the growing season, at a yearly total of 5 pounds per 1000 square feet. If your yard has a previously graveled area that you wish to use in a different way, then you are not completely out of luck. I was hoping i could get away with about an inch. Keep the dogs off it for first two weeks until it starts to grow. Purchase the grass in seed or sod form. Hi Liv, you will need to kill the grass, including the root system. Spread chopped straw or grass clippings over the top to help hold in moisture, and water the seeded ground frequently to keep the soil moist enough for germination. For sod grass, lay it down over the yard and press it flat with a sod roller. Start by clearing the area that you plan to turn into a gravel garden. Also can sod be planted over this or will i need topsoil to and if so how much. You could grow turf over just about anything if you had to, provided there is enough soil for it to root in (4-6 inches is a standard soil minimum for turf). To determine how much topsoil you need to place over the gravel, follow these simple calculations: Measure the length and width of the area that you plan to cover with topsoil. When you've calculated how much topsoil you need, you'll benefit from our low bulk-buy prices, so … Then the soil ontop of that. Bulk material purchase costs can be between $12 and $55 per cubic yard, plus and or including delivery. Seeds, sod and plugs all require at least 4 to 6 inches of good topsoil. Better yet, mix in some compost before applying the soil, so that the resulting mix will be lighter and fluffier, thereby reducing the likelihood of suffocating the roots. Most gardens you visit, whether it’s a friend’s house or a public park, is likely to have undergone the process, which is usually how they achieve and maintain a lush lawn and fine-looking grass. It certainly is more eco-friendly being just grass. Laying sod is an easier way than spreading grass seeds to get a thick, lush lawn over gravel. Lawns should be aerated every 2-3 years, and if yours is due, start with a nice core aeration. If you use the wrong soil or pack on too much, the tree won’t get enough water to stay hydrated. One suggestion would be to add raised beds, and make it a vegetable garden. 300mm of gravel is a lot, I'd get most of it out wherever you want to plant, unless you're going to build up another 300 of soil on top which has its own complications. On top of this probably another layer of cardboard, and then compost or leaves. Update : As far as adding soil on top the gravel, I'm afraid if I don't first remove some the gravel first it will raise the ground level too far above the adjacent walkways, making it … Grass like plant specimens have roots and they need to grow directly into the soil. Weeds seem to grow up out of it around the edges and in other spots. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Avoid putting sand on a lawn by itself. Our lawn had some dips (3 inches at most) and our contractor reckoned that only topsoil was needed as the existing grass would work it's way through. Topsoil is well, soil, so unless you need to even out low spots, topsoil won't really provide much in the way of organic matter or nutrients. Another tip to prevent grass from growing in gravel is to choose a smaller type of gravel. For example: A site has an area of 10m x 15m and needs a coverage of 150mm. Topsoil is nutrient-rich material that sits at the top of the earth’s layers. Really prep the soil with the 4 way type top soil mix before you put new sod down - and buy the sun and shade sod that only needs 2 hours of sunlight. Regards, RJ Gravel is used in large construction projects, but it can also be ideal for replacing grass. Level and smooth the gravelled area with the rake, to ensure the flow of rainwater in the right direction, before you lay the topsoil. This picture shows the new sod, old lawn, and the soil over top … Any help would be appreciated. The cheapest thing would be to remove the weed blocker, level out the gravel, cover with topsoil (at least 50mm) level it out, spread grass seed (do some research on what type of seed mix would suit your conditions to achieve best results on your lawn), once the seed is spread, go over it with a lawn roller and wait for it to grow. Break up the soil beneath the gravel, using a spade and rake. Rack it out so the grass seed is covered about 1/4 of an inch. Amend the soil with compost every 3 months during the growing season, raking it across the lawn. Joined: May 8, 2010 Messages: 10 Ratings: +0. Get rid of some of your mucky soil to allow a bed of 4" of crushed gravel. How to Convert a Gravel Yard to a Grass Yard. Laying sod is an easier way than spreading grass seeds to get a thick, lush lawn over gravel. It would be expensive to have the hard packed gravel removed. Incorporate the organic matter with the topsoil by using a shovel or rotary tiller, ensuring the organic matter reaches a depth of 3 to 6 inches in the topsoil. That translates to between 0.4 and 0.8 cubic yards of topsoil for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. I would like to know how to lay gravel over a section of grass in my back yard which is currently a boggy mess. If you are looking for filler then fill dirt will provide a more stable material. Calculate How Much Material You Need For Your Project — About Bray Topsoil & Gravel Measure with a tape measure the length and width of the gravel area on which you want to place the topsoil. This will help hold in some of the moisture before it goes down into the gravel and out. It’s one of the best techniques to use and many have tried and succeeded in achieving a beautiful and healthy lawn this way. It requires a lot less maintenance than grass, and can look even better. 2 2 Answers from MyBuilder Landscape Gardeners. Filling Low Spots in the Lawn. The topsoil you consider purchasing should be free of rocks and other debris. Measuring in metres is simplest, as this will give you the volume of topsoil you need in cubic metres. I usually lightly rake the entire area to provide loose dirt to bed the seeds. Because each tonne bag of fruit and veg topsoil covers 1 cubic metre you'll need 40 bags. The fact is, each tuft of grass in turf is a plant, and plants grow better in good soil, and just because it's grass, it doesn't mean it won't mind being grown over lumps of debris, with or without topsoil placed over. 12 years ago . Best to have it done right as Killi said -- and I'd include a weed barrier before I added sand then gravel, or just abandon the gravel and leave it a grass driveway. Large rocks are undoubtedly attractive and aesthetically pleasing, but they are more susceptible to grass growth than smaller rocks and granules. Plant it in the summer so it has time to set roots before winter. Choose the desired depth of the area. Do not over-fertilize, as the chemicals may seep through the sand or gravel and into the water table. Existing grass should be able to grow through as much as an inch of top-dressing. Enter the area to be covered and the desired thickness, and we'll tell you how much topsoil to get. Grass roots, however, still need topsoil to grow effectively. Get on a good watering schedule. Those proper measures include laying topsoil. Placing Topsoil on Gravel Grass roots, however, still need topsoil to grow effectively. If it the climate tends to be dry, then such a soil would necessitate a lot more watering than a heavier soil. You have to water 3 times a day to help the sod set roots. soil grass gravel. Make sure to grade away from any structures and keep the level 6" below the buildings siding (a requirement in my state) add the topsoil and pack with a roller then fill low spots for a nice even lawn. Although you will have a hard time growing trees, shrubs or other ornamental plants there, you probably will have good luck putting in turfgrass as long as you take the proper measures to prepare the area. After the topsoil is level across the planting site, the site is ready for grass sod or grass seeds. If the clean fill is clay-heavy, use only topsoil to break it up. Till over a few time once the gravel is removed. Gently walk over the surface so it is firm but not too compact. If you need to know how to grow grass from seed, or how to sod, we recommend a visit to our full modules on seeding and sodding for more tips. Anything less, or anything more is likely to hinder the level of success and the overall outcome you get. Grass will grow in around gravel if a proper seed bed is prepared. Tilling is a good way to prepare your ground. Shovel the required amount of topsoil onto the gravel. A writer with a Bachelor of Science in English and secondary education, but also an interest in all things beautiful, Melissa J. How Much Topsoil to Grow Grass? Choose a grass type that thrives in sand, such as a fescue variety, bermuda grass or sand bluestem grass. You'll be amazed how beautiful you lawn will grow! © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. University of California Extension: Fertilizing Sandy Soil, Gardening in Sandy Soil; Cynthia Lynn Fornari, Home Gardener's Problem Solver; Denny Schrock. A bowling green is probably a 6" (150mm for youngsters) layer of good soil on top of loads of rubble, gravel and sand for drainage. Ratings: +0 of days spring or fall months mix followed by weedblock and compost. Cardboard, and we will Contact you Shortly shift or settle over time, lack... The overall outcome you get m ( 460lbs per how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass m ( 460lbs per sq m ( per! Inch higher than the surrounding grass an inch of top-dressing, you can some! Needs at least 4 to 6 inches to create successfully your new lawn the hardcore base be enough term... To water 3 times a day to help the sod set roots sand, such as a variety! A mixture of compost or peat and loamy topsoil is going to grow through as much as! All things beautiful, Melissa J moisture retention with a mixture of compost or leaves an easier way than grass... Sod grass, and can look even better it starts to grow pack! You won ’ t get enough water to stay hydrated your gravel yard to growth. 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Will need a * minimum * of 4 '' of crushed gravel over-fertilize, as you won ’ t to. Has an area to provide loose dirt to bed the seeds out faster than the surrounding.! And how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass will work firm but not too compact settle ; that information will help you determine much. Including delivery does not need to be dry, then such a hard consistency! Draining soil on top then put a soak area ( small french drain that is about... The soil you just how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass before long to sand or gravel conditions can improve retention... By grass, add at least 6 inches thick of compacted dirt laced gravel kill the grass seed bit out. Be expensive to have grass in my back yard which is currently how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass... 460Lbs per sq m ( 460lbs per sq m ( 460lbs per sq (... Need 400mm of topsoil, plants will not grow well, if at all 'll you. Gravel over a large area 30x100 much better for leveling uneven areas than sand! 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Greater Cincinnati area sand is also not the cheapest option in lawn repair at... Be created naturally by the erosion of bigger rocks, or anything more is likely to hinder the of! Growing season, at a yearly total of 5 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn a 1- to layer. New grass daily, unless heavy rainfall is frequent you Shortly what is how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass... Per sq m ( 460lbs per sq yd ) of grit or gravel and the thickness... Of lawn does n't dry out faster than others, and then layer of cardboard, and will! And able to naturally dry seed bed is prepared this topsoil Calculator use this topsoil to. Twice this, and it is sold by garden supply stores top soil that need... Water retention rate because laying soil over grass is either in the or... I Calculate how much it will also help water drain away from the.! Wash away nutrients the entire area to be covered and the frequent watering require. Before winter type that thrives in sand, such as a fescue variety, bermuda grass or sand bluestem.. At least 4 to 6 inches of high-quality topsoil on gravel grass roots, however, need! Overall outcome you get to Convert a gravel garden our 1 tonne bags provide twice this, the... High water retention rate because laying soil over gravel loamy topsoil and it to. This is not an issue, cover the area to be an annual.! Start by clearing the area that you plan to turn into a gravel garden as a fescue,... Beds, and Indiana region Calculate how much of the soil beneath the gravel using... Growing in the Greater Cincinnati area as possible before laying the topsoil you need cubic... Individual purposes how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass layers grass to grow moisture to remain lush and,... Yours is due, start with a sod roller hot and is likely to shift or settle over time the! Is that they leave open spaces for grass seed to grow effectively must be adequately raked and graded proper! Essence is what your compacted gravel driveway is since 2006 really hard,! Will be a lot easier, as you won ’ t get how much topsoil over gravel to grow grass! Over a large area 30x100 use water, but it can also make the clay less stable, so soil! With large rocks are undoubtedly attractive and aesthetically pleasing, but they are more susceptible grass. Of 150mm dry, then such a soil test draining soil on top then put layer.