Compost in my Lawn is my Secret Weapon!!!

[@chirodocheilman]

I just did this process two days ago on my lawn. In the past I try to apply two times per year, but after my 20 year old spreader broke - I have not for the last couple of years. My friends asked to borrow my spreader and I had to tell them that it has given up the ghost. They ended up buying a spreader a couple weeks ago and so I borrowed theirs. I make my own compost using goat manure bedding, and in the past it has performed amazingly well. Whereas you do a single pass, I do a double pass for a very generous application. An additional benefit that I think that it does - especially if you apply right before a good rain is I believe that the earthworms that have gone really deep come to the surface for the organic decayed matter fresh food source which helps naturally aerate your soil - and they bring the matter to the depths of the root system. Your lawn looks AMAZING - obviously you take a lot of pride in the care of it.

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you so much and I agree with you about the worms. While I am not a fan of their casting in my front lawn because of my reel mower, I do find they benefit the lawn tremendously. If I had more room, I would create my own compost as well. Maybe I will have a bigger yard one day. :)

[@chirodocheilman]

@@TheLawnShark I am curious as to your statement of "not a fan of their casting" - Can I clarrify that you are referring to "earthworm casting" - or are you referring to the earthworms being on the surface when you are mowing. I don't see either being an issue, but I'm unclear as to your statement specifics

[@TheLawnShark]

@@chirodocheilman Sorry, yes, earthworm castings. The castings themselves are great for the soil, but since I use a reel mower at less than 1/2 inch, if I don't rake the castings out, they spread out under the weight of my reel roller, which potentially causes patchiness on the lawn. It's not a huge deal, but if I am in a hurry, it is inconvenient. However, overall the castings are great for the soil along with the natural aeration. Thanks for asking for clarification.

[@chirodocheilman]

@@TheLawnShark ist that because they are such a fine particle that you are getting clumping when using a roller? I would think that with the casting being such a fine particle that they would likely pass through the spaces in the roller too easily - almost like grass seed. Is that what the issue that you are having? My concern with that is the high cost of purchased worm casting is cost prohibitive compared with a good compost product. It's almost an overkill for the results and cost....maybe if you used 10 parts compost to 1 part worm casting but I doubt you would notice that much difference compared to just using pure compost. Doing a study comparing one patch to another would be the experiment to compare the results on.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@chirodocheilmanIt's not the particles. If I rake all the castings prior to mowing I have no issues. It's the fact that I have to rake them in prior to mowing that takes time when I am in a hurry. If I don't, they smash down to a pancake and cause yellow or even dead spots. Like I said, not a huge issue, just a nuisance.

[@MatthewBergeron-b7e]

I also have city compost and the towable Landzie spreader. Just a little tip, looks like your wagon could probably hold 4-6 5 gallon buckets. Fill buckets transport them on you wagon to the spreader, and dump the buckets in the spreader… that way you only shovel once. I actually have both the 24” and the towable Landzie. The 24” holds two 5 gallon buckets and the towable holds six 5 gallon buckets. Good luck!

[@TheLawnShark]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@abraham3901]

Man that yard looks healthy already. Good job. Im thinking about a spreader as well. We have zoysia grass , weeds are taking over and I really don't wanna use any herbicides , gonna try mushroom compost and try to choke m dow see if it works. If u have any tips how to get rid on the weeds let me know. Thanks.

[@LawnNOrder]

I finally put compost down this year in the front lawn and man what a difference it made. Lawns looking great Dino👊

[@TheLawnShark]

Good Deal! Thanks Christian!

[@joanofarc6402]

Wow does your lawn look perfect!! Amazing!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you!

[@timc4258]

Cool video! I love spreading compost on my lawn as well with the Landzie Spreader (Zone 5, Mass). I make MASSIVE compost piles with all my cut grass, fallen leaves, and food scraps.

[@TheLawnShark]

That's awesome! If I had room I would make my own compost as well.

[@CaseyBieker]

Heavy Clay , limestone here in Hays, KS with TTTF. I core aerate then do the exact same thing with local compost every fall, it has helped transform my soil tremendously!

[@TheLawnShark]

Nice! Compost is what the soil needs.

[@GarageGear]

Good content Brother! 👍

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks brother! 👊

[@flch95]

Looks well done

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks!

[@OneHaleofaLawn]

Awesome, I’m also right outside the Nashville area. I think I’ll check that place out when I get ready for my project. Thanks!

[@TheLawnShark]

Absolutely! Where in the Nashville area?

[@OneHaleofaLawn]

Just North of Nashville, in Springfield. I have Bluemuda in my lawn.

[@str8chevys913]

Thanks for the information, sir. Can I do this any time of the year, like early spring.

[@TheLawnShark]

Yes you can!

[@wmcjrtn]

Looks great Dino!!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks Bill!

[@Striperman]

Property has never looked better. The backyard turned out great and looking forward to the transition from Rye to Bermuda in the front. I will eventually introduce some compost to my lawn. Our recycle facility has free compost to the residents and that is where I brought my old lawn. This weekend will be my sand/peat leveling project and just deciding if I will be filming it or not 🤔👍🏻💚🦸🏻

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks Keith! You should definitely film it!

[@dg-hughes]

The compost in my area either local or bought always has junk in it wood chunks, the occasional piece of plastic, shellfish shells, rubber, or just lumpy. I made a soil screener but from four big bags of compost I got 1/4 bag of suitable screened material.

[@TheLawnShark]

That's crazy!

[@MatthewBergeron-b7e]

I don’t know how far you are screening it down, but 1” screen is good enough if you are filling in an area and 1/2” screen if top dressing with it.

[@MatthewBergeron-b7e]

If you seriously have that much junk in your compost, I would invest in a Landzie spreader. You can rent one from home depot or a local garden center and see if you like it. It will save you time by screening and spreading at the same time.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@MatthewBergeron-b7e 1/2 isn’t good enough for me in my front lawn since I reel mow, but it’s fine for my fescue in the back.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@MatthewBergeron-b7e Landzie is the way to go!

[@RT3Creations-Learn]

Great video! Thanks for uploading! Appreciate your insight

[@TheLawnShark]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Shunya0101]

Thanks for the video and information on this facility. I live in Nashville and work in Cool Springs. Will definitely check it out.

[@TheLawnShark]

Oh, awesome! You won't be disappointed. Just make sure you get the sifted compost. If they don't have it ready, wait until they do. It will save you a ton of time.

[@PNWLawnGuy]

You put out some 🔥 videos. Thanks for sharing your lawn projects!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks Marc! I appreciate that!

[@foreverandaday8185]

I top dress with free - composted manure to our ttTF lawn once or twice a year as well. Once in late winter and once again around late June (if I don't get lazy). Spaced out in the summer, I'll spray some liquid fish fert and liquid kelp with a touch of iron, magnesium, humic acid, etc. That's been working really well for us here in SoCal zone 10a.🌻🌹🌺🌴🌳 I also use the spare chunks that don't make it out of our spreader/roller for our roses, and other flowering plants Honestly, if I just use the composted manure/spreader x3 times a year, our lawn would be just as happy. But I like using liquid ferts throughout the summer. * I just recently reseeded our lawn because gophers and racoons did a nuclear job to our lawn, and that heat you mentioned definitely helps big in seed germination/nurturing.

[@TheLawnShark]

Very nice. Compost is the key for me!

[@MikeV607]

Just curious if you're using a mulching mower? Instead of spreading compost, I put a mulching kit on my lawn tractor and I think it's making a big difference with no extra work. I also mulch fall leaves right on the lawn. 🙂

[@TheLawnShark]

I actually do both. I use compost in the fall and spring, and I use the mulching feature with my mower unless I am trying to clean things up, like leaves or other yard debris. This year I did less mulching in the fall because my backyard was so new.

[@paulscott6998]

If you do a soil test on that clay and the ph is between 6.0 and 7.0 that clay has plenty of nutrients for uptake. If it goes below 6.0 those nutrients have a harder time being uptook to the plant (grass). Hey adding a soil addendum like compost is always good. But its hard to find TRUE compost these days. I find compost is really just mulch. Better to put down Black Kow. If that’s a little pricey for you, add some peat moss to cut it a little bit to go further.

[@TheLawnShark]

I did a video of where I source my compost (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYuro2aoi6dpiKcsi=n4osa7irfp_GZZ-_). It is incredible quality and only costs me $20 /yard. I agree that a lot of compost is not great, but this is not my case.

[@paulscott6998]

I’m starting to make my own compost. Using ground up leaves, sawdust, egg shells, coffee grounds, kitchen greens, paper and cardboard shredded and bagged grass. I’ll throw in a little fertilizer and Black Kow. Sure does look nice and its definitely satisfying after a watering.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@paulscott6998 that’s pretty awesome! I have some empty land that I am considering doing the same thing!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Clay soil is very high in nutrients.. Sandy soil is what is low in nutrients

[@TheLawnShark]

Clay soil can have nutrients, while compost definitely has nutrients. My point is that introducing additional compost can only help your soil. No one introduces clay to add nutrients to their lawn.

[@thurmanis1]

I just did 4.5 yards by hand over 3 days. I had rented a spreader from lowes, but thought I was gonna break the welds on it whenever it was completely full and needed to make a turn. How did the landzie hold up? I'm thinking of getting one. Awesome looking lawn!

[@TheLawnShark]

The Landzie is awesome! Super sturdy! I have used it for many applications over the last 2 years and it works perfectly!

[@dbproductreviews6319]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Loving how the lawn is looking. By the way the curb appeal on the house looks amazing. Did you make the shutters?

[@TheLawnShark]

Yes I did! I built them a couple years ago. I have another KZbin channel called the Shark Shed. I have the build video here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/moHXiIahfbmlh9Usi=cnlo5zr04T1y7waY Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@treasuredLawn]

I need to get this for my lawn!

[@TheLawnShark]

It's a game changer for sure!

[@stevej-j6p]

Great video! How big is your lawn (sq ft) and was there any compost left over?

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you! My yard is 4500 sf and I had about a half a yard left out of the 3 yards.

[@brandonrogers4415]

how thick of a layer does it lay with one pass? i was told to do about 1/4" for a top dress, does that mean i should do more than one pass with the lanzie?

[@TheLawnShark]

It's hard to say exactly, but it's about a 1/4 inch if the compost is a good quality.

[@AnthonyWilson-pe3uf]

Great video. Do you have the 24” or 36” Landzie, and do you still like it. Many thanks!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you! I have the 24" and I still love it. One of the best tools I have for my lawn.

[@UltratecJS]

Great video! Quick question for you, what wheelbarrow is this?

[@TheLawnShark]

This is a Gorilla Cart. I have the 7 Cubic Foot model. You can get them at Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon. Here is an Amazon link (affiliate link) amzn.to/4aAvlB5. Please don't feel obligated to use this link. Just putting it here for your reference.

[@UltratecJS]

@@TheLawnShark Thank you!

[@MrErpman]

I use a 2 cft wheelbarrow to fill my landzie. Fill the wheelbarrow up and then dump it into the landzie and roll it out.

[@TheLawnShark]

Good idea. I will have to try that.

[@glin930]

Thanks for the video. Can I ask you a q on the landzie spreader? Do you need to empty the spreader residual before you refill the compost? I am planning to get one this fall for overseeding then use this spreader for top dressing. Thanks

[@TheLawnShark]

You don't need to empty it every time, but you do need to eventually because it eventually impedes the ability to spread evenly.

[@Roy-lt3eo]

How many yards did you spread, how much square footage did you cover, and how long did it take you? Thanks, love the vid!

[@TheLawnShark]

It was 2 yards over approximately 4500 SF. It probably took me a little over 8 hrs total. Thanks for watching and reaching out!

[@reptilefrenzyllc3721]

Is this all you use or do you put down fertilizer as well?

[@TheLawnShark]

I put down fertilizer as well. This just creates a great growing environment.

[@infinitepeak]

When is a good time to do this? Spring or Fall? Do you couple with aeration or seeding? Thanks and good job on the vids

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks! I dod Spring and Fall. In the Fall, I aerate first and then do the compost when I over-seed the lawn.

[@blueshoe1979]

I’ve also read that.. using a soil top dressing helps with thatch on Bermuda. Where can I get one of those soil rollers? I’m in North Texas Dallas area and have been contemplating top dressing the lawn. Thanks for the great content!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I use a Landzie Compost and Peat Moss roller. Here is the Amazon link amzn.to/3BOoox2 if that helps.

[@foreverandaday8185]

Online

[@PacificNorthwestLawns]

Hands down probably the best thing you can do for your turf is introduce that compost. Great video Dino! 👊🏼

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks brother! 🙏

[@tashrayt4398]

Does the compost have any weed or unwanted seeds that could be introduced in the lawn?

[@TheLawnShark]

Not if it is good compost. Good compost "bakes" at temperatures > 131°F (55°C) for the sterilization of weed seeds, larvae, and human pathogens.

[@tite732]

Are there no weeds in compost?

[@TheLawnShark]

No there is not if it is made properly. A certified composter (like the one I use) allows the temperature to reach a point where all weed seeds are "cooked" off, typically up to 140 degrees. So it does not introduce new weeds. That being said, if the lawn has weeds, the compost will be beneficial to them as well, so you still need to treat existing weeds in the lawn.

[@TheDylan6908]

Would Black Kow composted manure be appropriate for this?

[@TheLawnShark]

I have never tried it. The drier the compost the better.

[@kr5289]

I have an acre and half. I want to top dress this fall when I overseed but since my yard is so big can I do this without raking it in besides, I don't have a leveling rake. also, any suggestions on how to get rid of poa anna (annual Bluegrass) Thanks

[@TheLawnShark]

I only rake it into my front lawn because I want to make sure I get it under the canopy since I cut it so short. For my back lawn, which is 3 1/2 tall fescue, I just dropped it in and let it work it's way down on it's own. As for Poa, I pull as much as I can by hand and for the rest I wait until it dies in the heat in another month or so. But I find pulling it rather therapeutic.

[@kr5289]

@The Lawn Shark ok thanks but most of my front yard, which is most of that 1 1/2 acres is poa too much for me to pull I'm going coop today see what they suggest. Thanks enjoy your videos.

[@MatthewBergeron-b7e]

If you are spreading, I would use a Landzie… as far as working it into the canopy, I have an Agri-Fab lawn sweeper… I take the collection bag portion off and sweep the dirt into the canopy. Works great!

[@TheLawnShark]

@@MatthewBergeron-b7e good to know! Thanks!

[@MatthewBergeron-b7e]

@@kr5289 Depends on which type of poa you have. If it’s poa annua put down a preemergent this fall and next spring. Don’t oversees this fall and love the lawn you have… next spring should be a lot better for you.

[@HangryPandaMike]

As always great video. So why compost vs topsoil? I have a small yard and no truck so any recommended compost in bags I can get at the big box? store?

[@TheLawnShark]

So, the reason why I do compost instead of top soil is because Compost usually "cures" at a temperature that kills any weeds, where top soil is just soil dug out of the ground somewhere and will inevitably bring weeds with it. Also, Compost breaks down more easily and helps naturally introduce Nitrogen into the lawn through its natural decomposition process. As for big box compost, I cannot vouch for it, but something like mushroom compost should work just fine, just make sure it is the consistency of dirt and doesn't have big chunks in it because you don't want to smother any part of your lawn.

[@HangryPandaMike]

@@TheLawnShark Thanks for clarifiying. Makes sense and I need to try that. Hopefully I can find a good place here in San Antonio that can provide a good compost and not the typical crap that is full of mulch, big chunks. Ill look at the big box stores for the mushroom compost.

[@CrazyManwich]

Black Kow compost is the best bagged I have found and it is available at the big box stores.

[@bran899011]

Please tell me this is Franklin, TN

[@LewisP86]

Ive got rock hard clay soil and because of it i think im dealing with dry spots in my front lawn (bermuda). Gonna try some compost, I hope it helps. New sub 👍🏿

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks for subbing! If your ground has a lot of clay I would do a 50/50 mix of compost and sand. Especially for the Bermuda. That was the first thing I did to my soil a couple years ago when I bought my house. I would then add a bit more compost every years. The sand helps to make the soil less compact. Hope this helps.

[@foreverandaday8185]

Try spreading composted manure to your lawn 3 times a year. I know your post is old but, I'd go a little heavy (like a double or triple pass) with the spreader on the very first application. For the 2nd and 3rd application, just do a single pass. And be sure to be watering it in well.

[@raylegend808]

Does laying compost bring weeds in?

[@TheLawnShark]

Not at all. If you buy from a good source like I do, any weed seeds and insects are killed through the "cooking" process. Compost is made through decomposition that creates heat which ends up killing everything except good organic microbes. Last spring I added compost to the lawn and I did not see any additional weeds. I was able to control weeds with pre-emergent in the Spring and simple hand pulling all season.

[@AntoineClaquin-cf2hd]

I’ve been looking into one of these spreaders for some time now. Trying to justify the cost vs the times I’ll use it. I’ve been doing it the hard way for many years, piles and leveling rake. Is this tool worth it? Usage/cost/storage space. Thank you and you lawn always looks very nice

[@TheLawnShark]

I put down compost on my lawn twice a year, so it is definitely worth it to me. It's not cheap, about $299 (This is my affiliate link for it: amzn.to/4azcmai). As for storage, I hang it in my shed so it's off the ground, so not an issue for me. Also, thank you! I appreciate the compliment!

[@AntoineClaquin-cf2hd]

@@TheLawnShark Thank you. Just ordered one. Costco for $57 including shipping. Can’t believe this deal.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@AntoineClaquin-cf2hd wow!

[@debgal26]

Uh oh… is it okay if it’s like highs of 80 degrees and you do this? I just put compost in and it’s almost Summer. Hope it won’t be too hot.

[@TheLawnShark]

No, it is totally fine!

[@debgal26]

@@TheLawnShark thanks for the response! The grass is looking great where we put the compost!

[@ryanchang2148]

Did you have any problems with weed seeds in the compost?

[@TheLawnShark]

None! In fact, I have yet to apply any herbicide (other than spot spraying SedgeHammer for nut sedge) on the front yard at all.

[@ryanchang2148]

@@TheLawnShark awesome to hear! Picking up compost from the same place on Friday!

[@TheLawnShark]

@@ryanchang2148 Good deal! Let me know what you think. Also, make sure you call the city ahead. Sometimes they don't have any available.

[@blackhouse7646]

What size is your lawn? How many yard did you get?

[@TheLawnShark]

I have 4500 SF. One to two (1 - 2) yards is the perfect amount for me, depending if I want to have some extra for flowerbeds and how thick of a layer I want to put down. I will lean towards 1 yard in the spring and 2 in the fall because I usually do a lot of overseeding in the Fall.

[@obsessedwithlawnoddswithgr2092]

good work brother 👏

[@TheLawnShark]

Thank you! 🙏

[@bran899011]

Nevermind last few mins answered my last question. I'm hoping Murfreesboro is free as well.

[@TheLawnShark]

Not sure if Murfeesboro has the same program, but if you find out they do, please let me know.

[@bran899011]

@TheLawnShark they do not off compost. They have mulch but that's pretty much it. Anyway you could give me a link or number to Franklin I'm not finding it.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@bran899011 by the way, the compost isn’t free, it’s $20 per yard. Here is the link www.franklintn.gov/government/departments-k-z/street-department/purchase-compost. Phone number is 615-794-4572. Hope this helps.

[@bran899011]

@TheLawnShark it does thank you very much.

[@lukegault3491]

Curious, how many yards of compost did you get? I have a 4k sq ft lawn and the yard calculators confuse the crap out of me (not math inclined :) )

[@TheLawnShark]

I'm not math inclined either 😬. I have a 4500 SF lawn and I used 2 yards.

[@lukegault3491]

@@TheLawnShark Ha, thank you sir! Just found your channel, great content.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@lukegault3491 Thank you! 🙏

[@380stroker]

4k square feet lawn requires 3.09 cubic yards of compost. 4,500 square feet lawn requires 3.47 cubic yards of compost. All this is assuming you are going to have 0.25 inches thick of compost, which is standard.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@380stroker sure. But I did 2 yards and it was plenty for my 4500 sf.

[@wattsobx]

what part of the country is this?

[@TheLawnShark]

I live in Franklin TN just south of Nashville.

[@sbond1963]

I went to get “screened compost” and it was mostly sticks, bark mulch junk. I could not find compost like yours locally 🙁

[@TheLawnShark]

This is the only place I get this quality in my area as well.

[@WooderBoyProductions]

That is one of the biggest tarps I have ever seen lol

[@TheLawnShark]

Ha! I have had it for years. Bought it back when I built a 20x20 patio in one of my houses a few years ago. Super handy!

[@ZupE891]

but why do you think the compost will result in better looking grass? you could of hit hit it with urea and got same if not better results for way less work and money

[@TheLawnShark]

Long-term, nothing beats good soil and adding organic material to the lawn is a great way to build up the soil. Is it more work? Sure... but does it make for a healthier lawn long-term? I think it does. I am one of the few people who add compost to my lawn multiple times a year and the results speak for themselves. Is it a requirement? No. But I have no regrets.

[@ZupE891]

@@TheLawnSharkThat's fair, your lawn does look amazing. I'm just not sure if you just added more nitrogen throughout the year you would have the same results for cheaper. I guess its impossible to know without a side by side controlled test. I don't see it being a negative to have healthier soil obviously.

[@TheLawnShark]

@@ZupE891 totally get it!

[@SamsLawn]

haha of course it's a project mate! but an awesome project! 🤘

[@TheLawnShark]

HA! Indeed it is!

[@jasonb8081]

Guess the Bermuda will eventually work its way to backyard?

[@TheLawnShark]

To an extent. But there is a lot of shade back there and I keep my Fescue as tall as possible. So the invasion will be limited.

[@larrygilman8896]

I'm not sure about this... It seems to me that by adding compost, you are adding to your lawn all of the weed seeds that are in that compost. I can do without that.

[@TheLawnShark]

Compost does not have weed seeds when it is made properly. The high "cooking" temperature kills all weed seeds and microbes and leaves only good nutrition and enzymes for your lawn. If you check out my video about where I get my compost you will see what I am talking about. Thanks for the comment. Here is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYuro2aoi6dpiKcsi=G_px_V9fV-ojKUsE

[@ThomasG-og4yb]

So much work and so much petroleum, for what? An English lawn in the deep South? You can't even eat it. People will bury their hands in their faces and shake their heads when we are completely out of petroleum in about a hundred years. We could have transformed the world and had canals and permaculture food forests all over the planet. There's still time, which is the only reason I'm not overly worried... That is a truly beautiful lawn though!

[@TheLawnShark]

Thanks for noticing the lawn. Appreciate the compliment.