Clay soil can be notoriously hard to grow grass in, but with the right type of grasses you can create a lush and beautiful lawn that will make your neighbors envious.
In this article, we’ll delve into why clay soil is difficult for growing grass, which is the best grass for clay soil and how you can get it just right!
We’ll cover the topics:
- The best grass types for clay soil
- What clay soil actually is
- Adjusting your lawn care plan to account for soil type
The Best Types of Grass For Clay Soil
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue grass is an ideal choice for clay soil areas due to its ability to tolerate wet conditions. The deep-rooted nature of this cool-season grass helps it access groundwater in clay soils, allowing it to survive and thrive even during periods of prolonged dry spell.
Additionally, tall fescue has excellent heat and drought tolerance and can stay green even during summer months. The thick, dense turf of tall fescue helps it resist weed invasion and makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Tall fescue is an ideal choice for areas with clay soil because:
- It can tolerate heavy clay soil and wet conditions.
- Its deep root system helps it to establish quickly in this type of soil.
- It is disease resistant, making it a good choice for the wetter conditions.
- It will remain green even during periods of drought due to its drought tolerance.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is a warm-season, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant species that can survive in areas where other turfgrasses fail. It’s deep root system helps it thrive in hot and dry conditions while reducing water usage.
Its extensive root system aids soil stabilization and erosion control, making it an ideal choice for clay soil areas.
Buffalo grass can thrive when used in clay soil areas because:
- It has a shallow root system, making it well adapted to soils that are heavy or overly wet.
- Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for these types of areas.
- It can withstand a wide range of temperatures and is not as susceptible to disease as other varieties.
- Its thick turf helps to reduce runoff and prevent erosion in clay soils.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season perennial grass that is incredibly hardy, making it suitable for warm and dry climates, as well as clay soil. Bermuda grass grows quickly in moist conditions and can tolerate poor or compacted clay soil, including clay.
It is also used as a turf grass in yards and parks due to its ability to tolerate heavy wear and tear from foot traffic.
Bermuda grass can help bind the soil together, preventing erosion of clay soils that are prone to being washed away in heavy rains. Its deep root system helps it draw up moisture and prevents the soil from becoming overly dry.
Bermuda grass is a good choice for areas with clay soil because:
- It can tolerate heavy clay soil and wet conditions, making it ideal for these types of areas.
- Its deep root system helps establish quickly in this type of soil.
- It is disease resistant, making it a good choice for the wetter conditions.
- It will remain green even during periods of drought due to its drought tolerance.
perennial ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass is a type of cool-season grass that is suitable for areas with clay soil because of its durability and hardiness. It is also an excellent choice for areas that experience heavy foot traffic or extreme weather conditions.
This grass has deep roots which makes it highly tolerant to drought and other environmental stresses – ideal for clay soil. The leaves of this grass are thin and spiky with a bright, lush green color that adds beauty to your garden. It can also be used for erosion control or as a cover crop for fields prone to flooding.
Perennial Ryegrass can be considered for clay soil because:
- It has robust roots
- Very hardy and low maintenance
- Good for high traffic areas
Cool Season vs Warm Season Grasses
Cool season grasses thrive in temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while warm-season grasses thrive in warmer climates between 75 and 90 degrees. Cool-season grasses are generally found in parts of the northern parts of the USA with cooler climates. Warm season grasses are typically seen in the southern United States and tropical regions.
Water requirements vary by species; some cool season grasses require fewer waterings than their warm-season counterparts. Depending on the type of grass, fertilization requirements may also differ. Cool-season grasses typically need more nitrogen in spring and fall, while warm season varieties require more phosphorus in the summer months. Understanding the needs of each species is key to maintaining a lush lawn.
Related Article: The Best Grass For Sandy Soil
What is Clay Soil and How Does it Affect My Grass?
Clay soil is a type of soil that is high in clay particles and has a high density. It is generally heavy and can be difficult to work with. Clay soil can retain water well, but also can become waterlogged and hard when dry. This can make it challenging to grow grass in clay soil. However, if the clay soil is amended with organic matter and the drainage is improved, grass can grow well in clay soil.
It’s important to regularly aerate the soil to allow for better root growth. Also, it’s crucial to avoid over-watering and fertilizing as it can create an environment for diseases and pests.
Adjusting Your Lawn Care Plan For Clay Soil
Your lawn care plan won’t change drastically because of clay soil. You can safely follow our easy lawn care plan here.
But if you are after a basic overview – here it is:
- Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly at the recommended height for the type of grass you have. This will help to keep the grass healthy and promote deeper roots.
- Watering: Instead of watering long and deep, instead break your watering up into smaller chunks throughout the day.
- Aeration: Aerate your lawn at least once a year (ideally mid summer) to improve clay soil drainage and allow for better root growth. This can be done with a manual aerator or a machine.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your lawn twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, using a slow-release fertilizer.
- Topdressing: Apply a thin layer of compost or other organic matter to the surface of the soil to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Weed control: Regularly check for and remove weeds from your lawn. This can be done manually or with a weed killer.
- Disease and pest control: Keep an eye out for signs of disease or pests on your lawn, and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Maintenance: Regularly maintain your mower, aerator, and other equipment to keep them in good working condition.
How to Prepare Clay Soil For Grass Seed
Preparing clay soil for new grass is a little different to standard methods.
- Test the soil: Get your soil tested to determine the pH level and nutrient content. This will help you understand what amendments you need to make to theclay soil to create a suitable environment for grass growth.
- Aerate the soil: Use a garden fork or aerator machine to create holes in the soil to improve drainage and allow for better root growth. This will also help to break up compacted soil and promote air movement.
- Add organic matter: Mix in organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to the soil. This will improve the soil structure and fertility, making it easier for the grass seed to take root and grow.
- Level the soil: Use a rake to level the soil and remove any debris, rocks or roots.
- Fertilize: Apply a slow-release fertilizer according to soil test results or general recommendation.
- Water: Water the soil thoroughly to help the seed settle and start to germinate.
- Sow the seed: Spread the grass seed evenly over the soil and gently rake it into the soil.
- Cover with straw: Cover the soil with a thin layer of straw or mulch to help keep the seed moist and protect it from birds and wind.
Tips For Growing Lawn in Clay Soil
Do NOT Add Sand
It’s important to avoid adding sand to clay soil when preparing it for grass seed. Numerous articles (and I actually have personal experience in this) have been written discussing the fact that adding sand to clay soil can have negative effects, causing it to become more dense and difficult to work with, similar to concrete or terracotta.
Instead, it is highly recommended to add large amounts of organic matter such as manure, compost, and topsoil to improve the soil structure and fertility, making it a suitable environment for grass growth.
Use The Cycle and Soak Watering Method
The practice of dividing one watering period into several shorter periods is referred to as “cycle and soak” . For example, watering for 20 minutes every third day would be split into two 10-minute cycles, with a minimum of 45 minutes in between for the water to be absorbed into the soil.
Clay-loam soil typically allows water to permeate the surface at a much slower rate than other soil types. Once the sprinklers in a specific zone have applied this amount of water, the cycle and soak method can be used to optimize water absorption and prevent runoff.
Using this watering method will result in healthier, more drought-resistant grass. You will also find that there is less thatching on the surface which will also result in less fungal disease.
