To figure out how many cubic yards you will need just take your total square footage and divide it by the square foot number associated with the depth your using. For example if you had 1600 sq. ft. and you wanted to put it down 3 inches deep then you take 1600 and divide by 108 to get about 15 cubic yards.
Keep in mind that the soil will settle, especially if your putting it down thick. It's always a good idea to get a couple extra yards to compensate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Putting in a new lawn
How thick do I need to put the soil?
At least 4 inches is what is recommended. 4 inches loose will compact down to 3 inches after you roll it. You don't want to go less than that.
If I'm using sod do I still need to put the soil 4 inches deep?
Yes, it's important to have that 3 to 4 inches for the sod to root into. Otherwise it will dry out fast and turn yellow in the summer.
If I'm using seed do I need to cover the seed?
It's not absolutely necessary but it does help. I use a very thin sprinkling of compost to cover the seed. This keeps the seed from drying out so fast. If you can keep the seed moist for the first week then you won't need to cover it.
Do we need to fertilize the new lawn right of way?
We are not advocates of chemical fertilizers, but in the case of establishing a new lawn it is probably the easiest thing to do to quickly generate a healthy root system. A little starter fertilizer is all you need.
