Do I need to remove the leaf mold in my yard in order to start a new lawn or can seed over it?

Question

I bought a semi-rural house late last summer on a wooded lot. The previous owner never removed the leaves and they built up over many years to a depth of 6 - 8 inches in some places. It was a mess to say the least. I spent the winter raking and burning leaves. Under the leaves is 2 - 3 inches of leaf mold and a lot of root mass. I'd like to seed the yard with grass but don't know if I should remove the leaf mold down to the bare soil first or seed the lot over the leaf mold and hope for the best.

Answer 1

It is NOT generally a good idea to plant a lawn under trees.

You don't mention what kinds of trees are dropping their leaves. I would NOT remove the leaf mold, particularly if there are a lot of roots growing in it. Destroying the roots could kill the trees.

A lawn usually needs full sun. There are some types of lawn that will grown in shady spots, but they are usually not as robust. So growing a lawn in the shade of trees will be difficult. Also, the leaves that are going to fall from these trees in the autumn will kill your lawn unless they are immediately raked from your lawn.

The tree root masses that are growing close to the surface will compete with a lawn for water and fertilizer.

Lastly, if your trees are not used to being watered in the summer time, you could kill the trees when you water your lawn. I did this when I watered a new lawn and the water flowed downhill to a oak tree that was used to being dry in the summer!!

Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Leaf mold is not completely awful. It looks nasty but is a haven for good biota as well as bad.
One thing you can try is a light rototill to break up the mold and air out the soil. It might be a good idea to spray the area over with a fungicide first, then lightly break up the mass of surface roots of the tree to a depth of about 2--3 inches, and lay a top soil mix on top of it. Be sure to deep water the tree to encourage the growth of deeper roots and prevent shock from the rototilling. Don't plant or seed for at least 3 weeks to allow the fungicide to kill the mold and allow the biota to break down the organic matter. Or better yet, first turn it over and over with a pitchfork once a week for a few weeks instead of using a rototill. It's back-breaking work but the soil and the microorganisms in the soil will breathe and continue to break down the leaves into nutrients for your tree without damaging the roots.
I agree with not planting lawn or grass under a tree. A variety of bulbs would be fun to try, unless the soil is soggy. You might want to look into planting some shade plants under the tree.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Where do people get these odd ideas? In the wild leaves decompose and make the soil richer. Where do you think all that rich forest soil comes from ? You should have turned those leaves into the soil and improved your bed naturally.

Then you're going to plant grass under the trees so you have to rake all the leaves off your grass? Ok look around, do you see grass growing under the trees in the area? If so look for a source of native grass seeds. Go with what is appropriate for the growing area. Contact your county extension agent , they can tell you what is native to the area.

Answer 4

Well if they are the big oak leaves those dont do good. What you really should get is some hay or thin pine needle to cover down and new grass/seed. The reason why you don't want big leaves (especially a big amount) on your lawn is that they attract pests, can cause the grass to be stunted in growth slightly and they can be a mess and harder to walk threw than a clear lawn.

Answer 5

I don't think its leaf "mold" but decomposing leaves,(compost). If the yard isn't too big rake it to create grooves for the seeds to basically fall into. Depending on the amonut of sun or shade the yard gets, and I bet its in alot of shade, you need to buy the appropriate type of seed. Just be patient, gras is sometimes a hard thing to get established.

Answer 6

yes you do it needs to breathe