Growth can be stifled in a clay-based environment. Clay soils are composed of tightly packed particles with little air or water available for root growth. Growing anything in clay can prove difficult, and the grass is no exception.
But it’s not impossible. With proper and timely care, grass can prevail in concealed beds.
Step one is amending the soil on the site. Adding quality organic matter helps loosen compacted surfaces while permitting drainage and oxygen to penetrate more easily, all vital elements of healthy grass growth.
Next, maintain vigilance when providing water and fertilizer. Clay soils hold both these nutrients tightly, preventing them from rapidly draining away as they do in sandier soils – instead having a more prolonged effect on root health if not applied properly. As such, sprinklers should be adjusted accordingly and fertilizers should be used sparingly but frequently if possible to maximize access by roots without going overboard with application volume.
Finally, go light with mowing heights – optimally, three inches will suffice – which reduces harm to surface-level roots as soil compacts when mowing higher levels of grass too vigorously at once.
By adhering to these basic guidelines for growing grass in clay-laden soil, stunning (and successful) results can still be achieved, proving that there is no obstacle too insurmountable for those willing to try something different or off the beaten path!