How to Grow Grass In Sandy Soil: 6 Steps to Success

You can grow grass in a sandy yard by choosing the right species and providing the right amount of water and nutrients

large palm tree in sand in front of beachy home
Photo: KCULP / Adobe Stock
large palm tree in sand in front of beachy home
Photo: KCULP / Adobe Stock
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
2 days
COST
$100–$500
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Rototiller
  • Fertilizer spreader
  • Water hose or sprinkler system
SUPPLIES
  • Soil testing kit
  • Compost
  • Weed killer
  • Rocks
  • Grass seed

A lush, green lawn can add beauty and value to a home, but sandy soil in your yard can make getting the look you want a bit tricky. You’ll need to choose the right grass type for starters and then commit to a specific watering and fertilization schedule. Use this guide to master how to grow grass in sandy soil so you can finally make your neighbors green with envy with your backyard lawn transformation.

5 steps to grow grass in sandy soil, including testing the nutrient levels in your soil
  1. Test the Soil

     grass growing on sandy soil
    Photo: faithie / Adobe Stock

    First, test the pH levels and nutrients in your soil to know what you’re dealing with and what improvements you can make to the soil before planting grass. Most grasses require a specific acidity level that you can achieve using organic materials called amendments.

    Sandy soil is tricky because it doesn’t contain the natural nutrients and organic matter necessary for grass to grow. To help with lawn growth, apply compost to the soil annually to give it a much-needed boost of organic compounds.

    Testing can prevent you from wasting time and money on techniques and soil amendments you don’t need. You can take a soil sample and have it tested for free by your local county government. For speedier results, you can pay the cost of a soil test from a lab or buy a DIY soil testing kit for around $15

    For accurate results, don’t take a soil sample from a recently fertilized area.

  2. Choose the Right Grass Type

    When trying to choose the right type of grass for a sandy yard, pick one that’s drought-tolerant with deep roots. It’s also key to find a grass that will thrive in your home climate.

    In warm regions like the South, the Gulf Coast, and Southern California, choose grasses that hail from tropical regions with high heat tolerance, such as the following:

    • Bahiagrass

    • Centipede grass

    • Carpetgrass

    • St. Augustine grass

    • Bermuda grass

    • Zoysia grass

    If you live in a cooler region such as the Pacific Northwest, New England, Northern California, or the Upper Midwest, consider one of these grass species that can withstand seasonal changes:

    • Kentucky bluegrass

    • Fine fescues

    • Tall fescues

    • Perennial ryegrass

  3. Prepare the Soil

    Skip this step if you’ve got an established yard already. To prepare the soil, start by tilling the soil at least eight inches deep to remove dead roots or debris that could stall grass growth. Spray your yard with a non-selective weed killer that will kill off any plants you don’t want growing on your lawn.

    Because tilling soil makes it more prone to erosion, lay a barrier of rocks around your yard and make sure your lawn is level to prevent flooding and standing water.

  4. Amend the Soil Before Seeding

    Sandy soil contains fewer nutrients than other soil types. Organic amendments like compost, manure, ground bark, or peat moss can help your soil hold moisture and increase your chances of growing grass. Before sowing grass seed, mix two inches of organic material into the top six inches of soil. Doing so during warmer summer weather helps it break down faster.

    If your soil test results show low pH levels, you can also add lime to increase them. If they show high pH levels, you should add citric acid or sulfur to achieve the opposite effect.

  5. Seed Properly and Water Often

    When planting grass seed in sandy soil, keep the following tips in mind:

    • Timing is key: Plant grass side in early spring if you live in a warmer climate or early fall if you live in a cooler climate.

    • Prevent overcrowding: Use a fertilizer spreader on the lowest setting to spread grass seeds, making multiple passes until you have approximately 16 seeds per square inch.

    • Bury your seeds: To allow moisture from the soil to enter the seed and start the germination process, bury your seeds ⅛-inch deep in topsoil.

    • Cover the area: Use peat moss or seeding straw to cover the entire seeded area. This will help maintain moisture levels.

    • Water frequently: Keep your soil consistently moist, but don’t overwater. You may need to water more often in the summer months.

    Expect to see grass sprouting up anywhere from a week to four weeks after you plant it.

  6. Apply Fertilizer After Seeding

    Following simple fertilizing basics to stay safe and protect the environment, regularly apply fertilizer every month throughout the growing season. Apply balanced dry fertilizer at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, plus an additional nitrogen-only fertilizer at the same rate during every other application.

    You can also leave clippings out whenever you mow your lawn. These clippings will break down and return nutrients to the soil.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

If you're new to growing grass and feeling intimidated by the sandy soil, don’t sweat it—hire the job out to a seasoned expert. Find a lawn care expert that specializes in seeding or reseeding grass in difficult conditions and terrains. Most professional lawn care companies will charge $1,000 to $3,000 per 1,000 square feet to prep your sandy soil to grow grass. 

However, sweat equity goes a long way in this type of project and can save you hundreds of dollars if you’re able to take on the task yourself. You’ll need to purchase enough grass seeds to cover your lawn, plus tools like a rake, soil-testing kit, shovel, and potentially an aerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grass varieties such as tall fescue, zoysia, Bermuda, Bahia, and centipede grow best in sandy soil. These types of grass are drought resistant, so they help retain water and nutrients more easily. Consult a local lawn care company to determine the best type of grass to plant in your sandy lawn.

Yes, you can put topsoil over sand to encourage grass growth. The topsoil will help to improve water retention and promote grass roots’ development, making it a recommended step of the seeding process. Adding a layer of topsoil will provide additional nutrients to the sandy soil, helping the grass grow and remain healthy through many seasons.

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