How to Grow Grass on Gravel | Hunker (2024)

How to Grow Grass on Gravel | Hunker (1)

Grass sprouting from gravel on ground.

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If you've ever mulched a landscape bed with gravel, you know that grass -- and weeds -- can grow in gravel. And that gravel compacts the soil underneath. But if you've inherited a yard full of gravelly "clean fill," you can convert it to turf, providing you're willing to invest some time, money and water in the project.

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Preparing the Site

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You can grow turfgrass on gravel, but keep in mind that you will have to provide what gravel won't, namely nutrients and moisture. Give the gravel a fresh grade, crowning to guide runoff away from buildings. While grading, rough up the surface to provide new grass roots a grip. A top dressing of sand or river silt helps slow drainage and provide a finer texture to shelter germinating seeds and new roots. Start your lawn during your area's rainiest season, because seeds will need constant moisture to germinate. In the upper Midwest, for example, late spring is rainy, but in the West, fall may bring more favorable rains.

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Choose Knowledgeably

Once your site is graded and prepped, invest in a soil test kit and take it to your local extension or lab. Only a soil test can tell you what nutrients are present -- and absent -- in your rocky soil and suggest the right fertilizing program. If you take your soil to an agricultural extension, its specialists can also suggest grasses that have the best chance of survival on your gravel. Choose a drought-resistant grass such as a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) or red fescue (Festuca rubra), both hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 6, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 -- or the recommendation of your extension agent.

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Starting Right

For best germination, plant fescues and other cool season grasses when soil temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and switchgrass and other warm season grasses when soil temperatures stay above 70 degrees. Soak the area thoroughly before seeding and scatter seed exceeding the recommended rate -- if directions suggest 4 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, lay down 5 or 6 pounds over the same area. Keep seed continually moist until it grows to 1 inch tall, then supplement rain so grass gets 1 inch of water per week. Wait until the grass is about 3 inches tall to mow and never mow lower than 2.5 inches on gravel. Fertilize annually or spring and fall based on needs established by soil tests.

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Beating New Construction Blues

Clean fill contains little organic matter, so even your best efforts might produce quick cover but a short-lived lawn. Make seeding success is made more permanent -- and you'll save considerable annual labor -- by working 1 to 2 inches of a combination of well-rotted compost and topsoil into the top 4 inches of clean fill. If the clean fill is clay-heavy, use only topsoil to break it up. Add 1 or 2 or more inches of topsoil as a bed for the grass seed.

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How to Grow Grass on Gravel | Hunker (2024)

FAQs

How to get grass to grow over gravel? ›

While grading, rough up the surface to provide new grass roots a grip. A top dressing of sand or river silt helps slow drainage and provide a finer texture to shelter germinating seeds and new roots. Start your lawn during your area's rainiest season, because seeds will need constant moisture to germinate.

Can you lay grass on top of gravel? ›

If you wish to use your gravelled area in a different way, you probably have asked yourself: “Can I lay turf grass on gravel?”. Although the answer to it is yes, we don't recommend doing that. As long as you take proper measures to prepare the area, you will have luck putting in turfgrass.

How to go from gravel to grass? ›

If not, rake as much of the gravel up as possible then rototil the area to a depth of 8-10 inches. The small amount of gravel that was left after raking will be incorporated into the soil as you rototill. Then rake the area level, sow your seed, water, and stand back.

Do I need to remove all rocks before planting grass? ›

Remove any large or exposed rocks with a rake, extracting as many as you can.

Can I put topsoil on top of gravel? ›

The gravel and stone should be removed. Take this back down to a soil level. Then it would be best to bring levels back with topsoil. It is important that topsoil is compacted by walking on a deal, levelled and allowed to settle.

Can I plant on top of gravel? ›

How does a gravel garden work? It's a simple concept. Before you plant, cover beds with 4 to 5 inches of pea gravel. The gravel allows plants to grow in sharp drainage, which is desirable for many native or drought-tolerant plants.

How to turn rocky ground into lawn? ›

Planting grass seed in rocky soil
  1. Pick a small area and dig down 4 to 6 inches into the soil. ...
  2. Working with soil that's moist (but not soaked), roll over the area with a tiller as if you're mowing the lawn, tilling down about 4 to 6 inches. ...
  3. Finish up by raking the soil for an even grade before you add the grass seed.
Sep 10, 2020

What should you put under gravel? ›

What should I lay under gravel? We'd always recommend laying a weed resistant membrane under your gravel. This helps to prevent weeds, whilst being permeable to water and air, and it's extremely easy to use. Best of all, the membrane provides long-term protection from weeds so you don't need to use unnatural chemicals.

How do you edge gravel to grass? ›

We laid a narrow (eight inch) strip of paving between gravel and grass, set low enough that you can mow over it. It works well. I've used metal edging in our garden (Everedge). Not especially cheap stuff, but is discreet and works well to keep a crisp line between surfaces.

What is the best month to put down grass seed? ›

Fall is optimal for seeding or overseeding cool season grass nationwide. In areas above the transition zone, seed between August 15th and October 1st. Closer to the transition zone, extend seeding from Labor Day to the end of October.

How to grow grass quickly? ›

Seed and Feed

One of the most effective ways to get your grass to grow quickly is to fertilize right after you plant. For use on all grass types, reach for Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass, which helps grass grow up to 70 percent thicker and 35 percent more quickly (vs. unfed).

Can you grow grass on top of rocks? ›

Yes, planting in rocky soil is possible. But, when you're up against a not-so-ideal soil environment, it will take a little extra legwork to make sure your tree or grass gets off to a good start.

Will grass grow on hard packed dirt? ›

The truth is, with the right knowledge and techniques, turning that hard-packed dirt into a thriving green space is entirely achievable. This article demystifies the process, providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to grow grass on hard soil, ensuring that your efforts culminate in a beautiful, resilient lawn.

How do you keep grass from growing under gravel? ›

The best defenses are preventing light from reaching seeds and stopping weed introductions. Use barriers such as landscape fabric under the gravel and fill crevices with polymeric sand. Maintain stable gravel layers and treat surrounding lawn edges.

How do you edge between grass and gravel? ›

Preventing grass from creeping into gravel or between slabs can be difficult. Establish a clear distinction between a path and the lawn using delicate, low-laying edging styles. "Bricks create a strong and durable edge for your lawn, making them a good choice.

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