Soil Improvements and Construction

The secret to a beautiful lawn is to work with nature to create conditions for grass to thrive and resist weeds, disease and pests.  To achieve this goal your lawn needs soil with good texture, some key nutrients, and the right pH, or acidity/alkalinity balance.

NYS Outdoor Construction will begin by conducting a thorough analysis of your soil. Depending on the results NYS will adjust the nutrients to your specific situation and requirements.

We can help you achieve everything from a wildflower garden to a native-plant landscape or a lush green lawn.  Contact us today for more information!

How Soil Improvement is Processed

Soil improvement involves enhancing the quality and fertility of soil to support better plant growth and health. Here's a brief overview of how it works:

1. Soil Testing: Before any improvement efforts, it's essential to analyze the soil's composition, pH levels, nutrient content, and texture. This analysis helps determine the specific needs of the soil and what amendments are required.

2. Adding Organic Matter: Organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf mold, is incorporated into the soil to increase its fertility and structure. Organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, drainage, and provides essential nutrients for plant growth.

3. Adjusting pH Levels: Soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants. Depending on the plant species' requirements and the existing pH level, lime or sulfur may be added to adjust the soil's pH to the optimal range.

4. Applying Fertilizers: Fertilizers are added to replenish essential nutrients that may be deficient in the soil. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the primary nutrients required for plant growth. Fertilizers can be organic (e.g., compost, manure) or synthetic (e.g., chemical fertilizers).

5. Mulching: Mulching involves covering the soil surface with materials like straw, wood chips, or leaves. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and gradually decomposes, enriching the soil with organic matter.

6. Tillage and Aeration: Soil compaction can hinder root growth and reduce water infiltration. Tillage (plowing, digging) and aeration (using aerators) help loosen compacted soil, improve drainage, and promote root development.

7. Microbial Activity Enhancement: Soil contains beneficial microorganisms that play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and plant health. Adding microbial inoculants or organic amendments can enhance microbial activity, improving soil fertility and plant vigor.

8. Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops like legumes (e.g., clover, peas) helps improve soil structure, fix nitrogen, and suppress weeds. Cover crops also add organic matter when they decompose.

9. Soil Conservation Practices: Implementing erosion control measures such as terracing, contour plowing, and planting windbreaks helps prevent soil erosion, which can deplete soil nutrients and degrade its quality.

Overall, soil improvement strategies aim to create a balanced, fertile, and resilient soil ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth and sustainable agriculture. The specific techniques employed depend on the soil's characteristics, plant requirements, and environmental considerations.