Sand in the front yard?

Joe S
by Joe S
I see a lot of my neighbors putting sand in their front yards, I understand that some of it is for leveling out the yard, and mine needs that. But my real question is, can I put grass seed into the sand? And someone told me river sand only??
  5 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Apr 23, 2012
    Sand is typically used to "lighten" heavy clay soils and improve drainage. It is cheaper than a good mix of "planters mix". If I had a lawn that needed leveling I would add small "batches" of planting mix and rake it into the grass. Doing this in many smaller "lifts" would allow the grass to grow up through it and seeding would not be needed. Heavy applications of sand are a bit "sterile" in terms of providing a good base for growth.
  • Joe S Joe S on Apr 23, 2012
    Which would be better, the planters mix with grass seed, or the patch repair mix they sell that has the grass seed in it?
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Apr 23, 2012
    I think the planters mix with seed. The planting mix should be close to the same texture as your existing soil. You may have to mix existing soil with it to get the right consistency. If you use just sand you'll eventually have problems with drought, winter damage or yellowing.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jul 03, 2015
    i have found the patch repairs kits are better for a small spot,( we moved a bird bath) didn't blend in as well. the planters mix gave me better results, I over seeded a couple of thin spots with a bit of the extra in a few weeks it was all looking great..,
  • Marilynn Gillespie Marilynn Gillespie on Jul 04, 2015
    I would like to know if anyone can help me? I was looking at my euonymous and it wasn't doing very well, so I dug it up and you should have seen the ants that came out of the ground and plant, carrying little white backpacks on their backs. How do I save this, or what do I do? I also have little hills of sand all over my yard? Help!! Please!
    • See 2 previous
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on May 10, 2016
      @Marilynn Gillespie Take a half and half mixture of confectionary sugar and borax and anywhere you have an anthill spread some of it. The ant will take it back into their hills, they will eat it and implode. Kee renewing the top of the anthill with the mixture. The little knapsacks you see are eggs. Regarding the plant itself take a teaspoon of dish detergent and a gallon or so of warm water. Douse the plant with it or spray it onto the plant. I would find a new home for the plant away from the ant hills at least for now.