Landscaping Services
Landscaping services often receive calls from homeowners bemoaning the sandy or clay-like state of their soil. Rather than hauling in replacement top soil, there are several ways residents can prepare their existing sand and clay landscaping for the garden of their dreams.
Steps to Soil Preparation
- Add organic matter. Virtually every soil type can benefit from the addition of peat, straw, animal manure, compost and grass clippings. In clay soil, this matter loosens clumps and creates air pockets to supply plant roots with necessary oxygen. In sandy soil, organic matter helps absorb and store moisture that would otherwise flow directly through.
- Mix in organic matter when the landscape is dry. Attempting to till wet soil creates dirt clumps that harden and are difficult to remove.
- Strive for a mixture of one-third organic matter, two-thirds existing soil.
- Use a rake, shovel or rototiller to thoroughly mix natural materials into the landscape.
- Test your soil's pH. If it is too acidic, add lime or gypsum to decrease acid levels. While it is more difficult to neutralize alkaline soil, an iron sulfate supplement may help.
After treating the soil and adding plants, mulch can be spread over the area to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from taking over the lawn.
Landscaping Services in London
The London Lawn Turf Company has been in the landscaping business for 20 years, supplying, preparing and laying quality turf for commercial and domestic customers. Call 020 8647 9090 for more information about the company's quality turf-laying, planting, paving and decking services.
