Growing Grass In These Conditions?

Question

I am planning on growing grass in front of my deck near the condo I own. The ground currently is mostly gravel. Underneath the gravel is a plastic sheet (I believe the stuff under is clay) I've dug the very top layer of gravel off. If I were to purchace top soil, and left the plastic sheet underneath, would the grass grow and survive?

Answer 1

Pull up the plastic if you don't want to have to baby the grass forever after. Grasses tend to have very deep root systems, and need to reach well down into the soil to become well established.

Do the prep work now; it'll save you time, money and frustration later.

Answer 2

The answer depends upon the depth of the soil. Grass needs about two inches to put down roots. I'd suggest putting slits in the plastic, so that the grass can extend down through it. Use a 50/50 mix of top soil, and organic compost, as topsoil alone will compress down, and become to hard for the grass. for the first two weeks, water morning and evening, giving the soil about a half inch of water each time. Use a perennial rather than an annual grass, and just keep reseeding it a little each Spring and Fall, and you should develop a nice lawn.

Answer 3

Yes. Choose a type of grass that has a root system that spreads near the surface rather than likes to burrow deep into the soil, since it will have a hard time penetrating the landscaping plastic. The major disadvantage to this type of planting is that it is very easily stressed by lack of rain. It will be neccesary to water regularly to ensure a green oasis off your deck.