Understanding Lawn Sand Benefits, Application, and DIY Recipe

Lawn sand is a versatile substance that has long been favoured by gardeners and homeowners alike for its ability to improve the health of lawns and combat weeds. From enhancing grass growth to tackling pesky weeds on gravel driveways, lawn sand offers a natural and effective solution. In this article, we’ll delve into how lawn sand works on a lawn, its efficacy in burning weeds off gravel driveways, and how you can make your own batch at home.

How Lawn Sand Works on a Lawn:

Lawn sand is a mixture of sand, iron sulphate, and ammonium sulphate. It serves multiple purposes when applied to a lawn:

1. Moss Control: Iron sulphate, one of the key ingredients in lawn sand, helps to control moss growth in lawns. Moss tends to thrive in shady, damp areas where grass struggles to grow. By applying lawn sand, you can create conditions that are less favourable for moss, thereby allowing grass to flourish.
2. Promotes Grass Growth: The sand component of lawn sand helps to improve soil structure by aiding drainage and aeration. This creates an environment where grass roots can penetrate more deeply and access essential nutrients and moisture. As a result, lawn sand promotes healthier grass growth and a lusher lawn.
3. Fertilisation: Ammonium sulphate provides a source of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen encourages vigorous leaf and stem development, leading to a denser and more vibrant lawn.

How Lawn Sand Burns Weeds off a Gravel Driveway:

In addition to its benefits for lawns, lawn sand can also be effective in controlling weeds on gravel driveways. When applied to weeds growing in gravel, lawn sand works through a process known as desiccation:

1. Dehydration: The sand component of lawn sand helps to absorb moisture from the weed’s leaves, causing them to dry out and wither.
2. Chemical Action: The iron sulphate in lawn sand acts as a herbicide, effectively burning and killing the weeds. This chemical action further accelerates the weed-killing process.
3. Prevention: By applying lawn sand to gravel driveways regularly, you can not only kill existing weeds but also create a barrier that deters weed seeds from germinating and establishing new growth.

Making Your Own Lawn Sand:

Making your own lawn sand is a straightforward process, requiring just a few readily available ingredients. Here’s a simple DIY recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 parts dry sand ( kiln dried sand from a builders merchant ) 
• 1 part iron sulphate (ferrous sulphate)
• 1 part ammonium sulphate ( not required for treatment of gravel driveways )

Instructions:

1. Measure out the sand, iron sulphate, and ammonium sulphate according to the desired quantity of lawn sand you wish to make.
2. Combine the ingredients in a large container or bucket.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed throughout the sand.
4. Store the homemade lawn sand in a dry, airtight container until ready for use.

When applying homemade lawn sand, ensuring even distribution across the lawn or Lawn sand is a valuable tool for maintaining healthy lawns and controlling weeds. Whether you’re looking to promote grass growth, combat moss, or tackle weeds on gravel driveways, lawn sand offers a natural and effective solution. By understanding how lawn sand works and how to make your own, you can achieve a vibrant and weed-free outdoor space with ease.