What should I do if I accidently spilled driveway sealer on the grass?

Question

I spilt quite a lot in an area on the front lawn of a customer not any larger than 2'x2'.

I am guessing that the grass in that area will now die, what can I do now?

thanks for your answers !

Answer 1

You will need to dig up that small area. All the grass and about 1-2" of the soil. Than spread some topsoil, and reseed, and water. The sealer is petroleum based and will spread when it rains, like a oil slick, killing more grass in that area.

Answer 2

Flutterbug:
Not a big deal! However, it will take some work to fix it. You will need to take a flat nose shovel, and cut out the turf, nice and neat. Then remove it and remove a 3 or 4 inch layer of soil. I shouldn't put the horse before the cart here, but what you also need, is one roll of turf from your local nursery or turf farm. Use the phone book to figure out the near'st one. If you can't find a roll of turf, your coustomer will have to settle for lawn seed. Don't know where you live, but here it still has time to grow in Vancouver, Canada. You can also try to find or cut pieces of her lawn from edges where it won't be missed. Maybe by trimming the edges somewhere along sidewalkes? Use a little turf or seed starter if you have it, it always helps as well. Good luck, its really not that big a deal, but yes, You are right in thinking that it most likely will die. So you should do the right thing and fix it.
Good Luck with that!
Bertram

Answer 3

I agree with both above in that you need to remove the soil but I'd error on taking more than either one of the above mentioned. I'd do a shovel face full , 7" or more, and well beyond the spill area. Best to go overboard now than to be called back later to do it again. Refill with clean soil and water well to get the soil to settle "naturally" and resod a day or so later. Always explain what you are doing and why to the client, they are more forgiving, especially when they see you are going above and beyond in repairing it.

Answer 4

I should spill some grass seed on the driveway to compensate