have large yard, want to landscape, old hay field, should i bulldoze top layer before i put down top soil?

Question

the yard has alot of weeds in it and i don't want to waste money puting top soil and sod down if the weeds r going to grow thru it,,,should i bulldoze the top layer off first or can i just put down the top soil...any ideals will help

Answer 1

We built a home on 10 acres of farmland that was a hayfield and a pasture. I've had the best luck with my trees, bushes and flowers growing than I've ever had. I feel like the land was "virgin" land and things grow very well. Yes there will be weeds but if you get a good lawn going, keep it fertilized and watered, the weeds will be nonexsistant. Don't remove the top layer of top soil as I think it's pretty fertile dirt. Some gardeners suggest using products to kill off the weeds and then waiting a couple of weeks to till the dead weeds under and do your planting.

If you're determined to put down top soil I suggest that you go ahead and bulldoze the top layer of soil as just putting top soil over weeds will not get rid of them. Been there, done that!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Heck no! If it was an alfalfa field it should have some killer topsoil already in place. Alfalfa is a nitrogen fixer, it adds more nitrogen to the soil than it takes out, plus the roots generally go down over 4' deep, so drainage shouldn't be too much of a problem. Just till the existing soil under, level it, roll it, and lay down sod. You should also apply a good pre emergence herbicide to keep any weed seed from sprouting up.

Answer 3

You do not need to bulldoze, but if you are intent on putting down more top soil (which you probably don't need) then I would recommend spreading the top soil and then till the new top soil in with the old to get a deeper mixture of good soil which will promote a stronger root system.

Getting your soil analyzed is also a good idea from one of the above responders.

Answer 4

Since you have what was once farm land your first concern should be with soil compaction and hard pan! If you have this problem you will need to correct it first or all your other work won't matter!! After that you can think of tilling under the present weeds and grass and putting down a growth retardant to keep it from re-emerging. Then later either re-sod or re-seed!

Answer 5

your saying it is only a yard --- then my recommendation is to get in there with a rotary hoe and go over the land north to south --east to west diagonal --- every which way and get a few mates over for a barbie and a beer and get them to pick out as many weeds rocks etc that you can .
don't waste your money on top soil you just may not need --- after the hoeing get a pH reading (soil test ) done see what 's missing --- if anything --- and go for it . good luck .

Answer 6

yes absolutley