To determine the type of site one must perform an overall evaluation of the area. The site type will be the deciding factor in choosing the correct seed and installation method. The homeowner must decide if the site is sunny, shaded, or both. What is the grade and are there steep slopes? What is the soil type and chemical composition of that soil? What is the area?
Key Steps
1) Determine Sunlight Received
2) Determine Area
3) Determine Grade and Slope
4) Take Soil Test
5) Determine Soil type and Chemical Composition
Sun or Shade ?
It is important to know how much sun your lawn will receive. Some turfgrasses do well in shade and bad in full sun, while others are the complete opposite. It may not be as simple as determining the site full sun or full shade. It is not uncommon for a site to have various light conditions which makes the utilization of seed mixes important.
Area
The area can be found be found by multiplying the length by the width (L x W = Area). The area of the home, garage, driveway, etc. that will not be seeded should be subtracted from the overall area.
Site Grade
Grade does not have to be formulated with calculations. The steeper the slope, the harder it is to establish turfgrass due to "wash-outs" and erosion. When possible slope, should be reduced, but when not fesible special erosion products may be required. Hydromulch with tackifier work well on moderate slopes. On the even more moderate slopes erosion blankets should be used.
Soil Testing
A soil test should be random and a representation of the entire site. The best method is to use a soil probe to pull core samples from a depth close to 3". It is good to take several samples. When sampling try to avoid organic materials or other contaminants. Many soil testing companys provide bags for samples, but when not available brown paper lunch bags work well. Your local extension agent should be able to recommend a reputable company for soil testing.
OSU Extension Factsheet on Interpreting a Soil Test for Lawns
Soil Type and Composition
Soils can vary greatly in Central Ohio. Typically we have a limestone base, which in most cases provides for an ideal and stable pH. Soil type can be determined by soil tests, but soil type maps can also be obtained through your local extension agent. The soil test will reveal the nutrient content of the soil. In many cases the soil has sufficient levels of nutrients, but be defficient in a paticular nutrient. It is necessary to fertilize in accordance with test results. Typically soil tests will indicate what levels of fertilizer should be applied specific to nutrient.
Some sites will require amendments be added to make the the soil more suitable for turfgrass. On new constuction, topsoil has been known to disappear (sold or simply buried), leaving only clay subsoils to plant on. Some sites are naturally not favorable for turf. It is not uncommon that sites require the incorporation of topsoil, or other specific amendments such as sand, from other sources.
Contractors also tend to bury things like shingles, bricks, plywood, etc. Basically their trash ends up underground. This restricts water retention in the root zone. If possible one should request the contractor refrain from this practice and keep a watchful eye.
OSU Extension Bulletin on Soils
OSU Extension Bulletin on Soil Modification
How to determine the proper seed according to site
How to determine rates of seed, fertilizer, and mulch according to seed type and area
How to establish a seed bed, and methods of seeding and mulching