Thanks Del... What spec of spine drain would you recommend?
I was thinking about a 100mm bed of peas and sharp sand over the entire area. I'd grade the subsoil underneath this first so it slopes into the existing drainage trenches. And then top this new drainage bed with 100mm topsoil?
Really appreciate the advice! Some further questions:
How much effort is it to make my own topsoil from sharp sand and compost rotovated into my existing clay soil? I've got lots of soil as it stands and certainly far too much clay soil. The specification for the medium grade BS certified top soil suggests that anything up to 35% clay content is allowed. Paying for more clay content seems pointless, unless mixing your own soil is difficult and time consuming?
Are you recommending ballast because its a mix of fines and small stones? And if so, would Shale Blaes be a suitable alternative?
I can get 0-6mm or 0-18mm Shale Blaes had a good price from a local recycling plant - which of these if any? They also do 0-4mm sharp sand and either 10mm or 20mm peas. Here's the link https://www.brewsterbros.com/recycled-aggregates
What types of pictures do you need - will a close up of the soil and general layout shot do?
In response to your questions...
The new lawn is for my kids to play football on. My garden is sloped - steep slopes in sections. So this basin area is the best area to convert.
This basin area was bushes and trees when we moved in! We've also removed a lot of small trees and bushes as we wanted to let some light in. We're surrounded by woodland and still have some very large trees in the garden, so light is still an issue.
On a positive note - the soil appears to rich in nutrients. Our trees, hedges and even the grass bits before we started building works grew very well with no assistance - too well! The grass was destroyed with the building work we did, but it's started growing back without putting seeds down.
Posts
I was thinking about a 100mm bed of peas and sharp sand over the entire area. I'd grade the subsoil underneath this first so it slopes into the existing drainage trenches. And then top this new drainage bed with 100mm topsoil?
- I can get 0-6mm or 0-18mm Shale Blaes had a good price from a local recycling plant - which of these if any? They also do 0-4mm sharp sand and either 10mm or 20mm peas. Here's the link https://www.brewsterbros.com/recycled-aggregates
Thanks again,Paul
Why a lawn when there are simpler options.........veg corner...flower beds...shrubs...herb areas
Looks like you have all of the knowledge but may need a bit more confidence to take the final plunge
Nature is not guaranteed to work but it is fun trying
Good luck
What types of pictures do you need - will a close up of the soil and general layout shot do?
In response to your questions...
The new lawn is for my kids to play football on. My garden is sloped - steep slopes in sections. So this basin area is the best area to convert.
This basin area was bushes and trees when we moved in! We've also removed a lot of small trees and bushes as we wanted to let some light in. We're surrounded by woodland and still have some very large trees in the garden, so light is still an issue.
On a positive note - the soil appears to rich in nutrients. Our trees, hedges and even the grass bits before we started building works grew very well with no assistance - too well! The grass was destroyed with the building work we did, but it's started growing back without putting seeds down.