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Best soil for leveling a slope
Posted on 10/23/23 at 7:01 am
Posted on 10/23/23 at 7:01 am
Recently had a pool put in and it is about 6 inches higher than the level of my yard. I need to create a gradual slope from the pool deck to the lawn.
What is the best type of soil to use? I want it to be able to support turf growth but also not settle too much over time because I want to put a paver walkway next to the decking.
My concern with garden soil is that it has a lot of organic material that will degrade over time and get subsidence. I’m thinking about mixing garden soil 50/50 with Mason sand.
Any other ideas?
What is the best type of soil to use? I want it to be able to support turf growth but also not settle too much over time because I want to put a paver walkway next to the decking.
My concern with garden soil is that it has a lot of organic material that will degrade over time and get subsidence. I’m thinking about mixing garden soil 50/50 with Mason sand.
Any other ideas?
This post was edited on 10/23/23 at 7:02 am
6
Posted on 10/23/23 at 7:07 am to Knuckle Checker
Not a popular opinion around here because of weeds, but I use river sand / batture dirt for stuff like that 100% of the time. I've always found it had the best "structural" properties of any dirt for leveling stuff.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 7:46 am to Knuckle Checker
If you want to support turf growth then you’ll want a sand/compost mix.
Most say 70/30 sand.
It’s all the twigs, sticks, and mulch from most topsoils that you don’t want.
Garden soil is not substantial enough for leveling. You’re right about that.
Most say 70/30 sand.
It’s all the twigs, sticks, and mulch from most topsoils that you don’t want.
Garden soil is not substantial enough for leveling. You’re right about that.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 8:51 am to Knuckle Checker
I have always used sandy clay. Best for structural uses. Grass will grow on it just fine if you deep water.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 8:55 am to FlyinTiger93
sandy clay from an amite river pit is best. dont use spillway material
Posted on 10/23/23 at 10:28 am to Knuckle Checker
I'm seeing a lot of downvotes with not a whole lot of better suggestions. Do better yall.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 10:35 am to BilbeauTBaggins
quote:
I'm seeing a lot of downvotes with not a whole lot of better suggestions. Do better yall.
Yeah, interesting the range of responses, all with downvotes.
For building up slopes, I typically use clay for the subgrade, pack it in tight, then finish off with a layer of topsoil or something more suitable for turf growth.
I’ve gotten grass to grow directly in the clay as well, but it’s not ideal and very compacted.
If you’re planning to put pavers, you’ll want something solid for their base, which will not be ideal for grass either.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 11:38 am to Knuckle Checker
You don’t need anything fancy for grass growth. You don’t need some sand compost engineered mix to grow grass, it frickin grows on cement.
Just get some bature dirt. 6” slope is nothing.
Just get some bature dirt. 6” slope is nothing.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 11:59 am to Knuckle Checker
I did ours with the dirt left over from the pool dig. Used little kubota and box blade and was done in an afternoon. The next Spring I brought in some top soil for another project and used some of it to smooth it out. Been great ever since.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 1:09 pm to poochie
quote:Some people want better. I gave the option.
You don’t need some sand compost engineered mix to grow grass, it frickin grows on cement.
There are several degrees or tiers of lawn maintenance preference on this board. I aim for “elite” when possible in order to get “good to great”.
For example, I don’t have all the nicest equipment (no reel mower, no aerator) so when it comes to something that I can reasonably control, like a selecting a sand/compost ratio, I’ll give it my best!
Posted on 10/23/23 at 1:18 pm to bayoubengals88
quote:
There are several degrees or tiers of lawn maintenance preference on this board. I aim for “elite” when possible in order to get “good to great”.
you can grow an elite lawn on the dirt your builder left on your lot. you can also spend a lot of money on stuff you don't have to that won't give any real world benefit.
Additionally if you want to get technical, your answer is terrible option. you don't want any organics when trying to build a slope.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 1:28 pm to poochie
quote:
Additionally if you want to get technical, your answer is terrible option. you don't want any organics when trying to build a slope.
Sand alone or well screened dirt would be fine.
I only mentioned compost because he mentioned that he cares about turf.
All he’s got to do is work it in with a leveling rake. I fail to see how compost is bad for a slope unless you think it’ll all get washed away.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 1:48 pm to bayoubengals88
quote:
Sand alone or well screened dirt would be fine.
I only mentioned compost because he mentioned that he cares about turf.
All he’s got to do is work it in with a leveling rake. I fail to see how compost is bad for a slope unless you think it’ll all get washed away.
just stop. Sand alone? come on.
compost = organic = decay = subsidance.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 1:55 pm to poochie
quote:Gladly
just stop. Sand alone? come on.
Posted on 10/23/23 at 4:51 pm to cgrand
Sandy clay from amite river and batture dirt seem like the most popular options.
Any idea where to find these in BR?
Any idea where to find these in BR?
Posted on 10/23/23 at 5:40 pm to Knuckle Checker
LSUtigerME is the best advice. If you choose to use batture or sandy clay please update us with your experience in a few years to let us know if you regret it. Thanks!
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