Downside?

[BostonBull]

I am wondering if there are any downsides to leveling off parts of my yard with compost instead of loam? I also am making two new small planting areas, and was planning on taking the top 6"+ of current soil away, and backfilling with compost instead of loam. What issues may arise from this? Any?

[JDUtah]

SOM degenerates over time

[BostonBull]

Originally Posted by JDUtah

SOM degenerates over time

I am glad I asked this amateur question then. I will just top dress the lawn, andd mix in an inch or two of compost into the new planting areas before planting.......

[JDUtah]

That's what I would do... otherwise you could end up with waves in the lawn. if you can assure an even distribution (and till in) of the compost it would do good.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by BostonBull

I also am making two new small planting areas, and was planning on taking the top 6"+ of current soil away, and backfilling with compost instead of loam. What issues may arise from this? Any?

When I design planting areas/beds, I always leave 3-5 inches for mulch and the inevitable buildup of soil over time.

Leveling should be done with topsoil.

[quackgrass]

Originally Posted by BostonBull

I am wondering if there are any downsides to leveling off parts of my yard with compost instead of loam? I also am making two new small planting areas, and was planning on taking the top 6"+ of current soil away, and backfilling with compost instead of loam. What issues may arise from this? Any?

I would use a 50/50 blend of compost and topsoil. Compost alone won't have any sand particles. You want at least 10% sand because the grass will be able to establish a better root zone if it has sand particles to anchor to.

You also want the topsoil to provide some structure, especially when it gets soggy.

The grass will germinate and grow much better if it isn't a straight compost, you need some soil with a little sand.

[ICT Bill]

I agree with mixing with top soil, if you have an extending wet period compost has a hard time drying out right away and roots can literally rot in an all compost mix