Clay soil is difficult to grow lawns on because the soil particles are so fine that when water is added, these particles stick together, causing poor drainage and lack of airflow. The grass roots can drown in too much water, especially after a heavy rain or watering. Grass will start to die and wither in clay soil; unless you amend it with some organic materials to improve its drainage capabilities and allow airflow to the roots of your grass. Amending your clay soil will allow your grass to grow lush and green.
Instructions
1. Aerate your lawn. Aeration will allow air to circulate to the roots of the grass and alleviate compaction. Mechanical aerators poke hundreds of holes 2 to 3 inches deep into the soil. Aerate your lawn twice a year when the ground is not frozen. Add compost material and earthworms on top of your lawn; they will incorporate down into the aerated holes in the yard.
2. The best option, instead of aerating your current lawn, is to remove your lawn and start over. Rototill or break up the lawn to a depth of at least 8 inches.
3. Add 3 to 4 inches of compost material into the clay soil--leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, peat moss, sand, gypsum, coffee grounds, sawdust, composted dirt, manure, and straw.
4. Mix expanded shale into the mix of compost material. Expanded shale can be purchased at most plant and garden centers. The shale, which is tiny rocks with a lot of air pockets, can be added in a layer of up to 3 inches thick. The shale keeps the compost materials and clays from compacting again after a heavy rain.
5. Work all this material down into your clay soil to a depth of 8 inches. Avoid compacting down clay soil. Avoid working on your lawn while it is wet. Do not allow foot traffic on your lawn while it is wet.
6. Buy earthworms and add them to your soil when you lay down your compost. Earthworms will move through the soil and incorporate the compost into the clay. The earthworms will continue to propagate and aerate your soil for a long time to come.
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