Harvard Yard Gets Spring Face Lift

Puzzled by the sudden appearance of green flakes on the ground in the Yard? You will be relieved to know that it is nothing more than fibrous mulch.

The fibrous mulch, imbedded with grass seed, is part of the Yard's $6000 Spring make-over. Bernard K. Keohan, acting superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, (B&G), said yesterday.

Big Savings

The price of the make-over is about $2000 less than last year's, despite the increased cost of the new hydroseeding process. Keohan said.

In the hydroseeding, the green fibrous mulch and seed are mixed with liquid fertilizer and sprayed over the surface of the lawn. Norman A. Gray, of Transit Seeding Inc., the contractors seeding the Yard, said yesterday.

Protection

The mulch mixture keeps the seeds moist and warm and also reduces the risk of seed loss in heavy rains, Gray said. He added that the seeds germinate faster in the mulch. The green color is added to help workers distinguish areas already seeded.

The technique is designed to fill bare spots in healthy lawns, Gray said. This process poses no threat to existing grass, he added.

Every Spring, B&G officials overhaul all University grounds, Keohan said. He added that all University faculties pay their portion of the maintenance costs.

Progress Report

Residents will be glad to hear that the Quad's face-lift went well. The sod is beginning to take root, and fences barring traffic across the newly sodded lawns will soon be removed.

Next week B&G crews will begin work at the River Houses.