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Cursed turf

G-MacG-Mac Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hello everyone,

Wondering if anyone can help. Moved into a new build 3 years ago and have had continuous problems with the turf. It just keeps dying!

I replaced the original after a year which died in a few months, so last year I dug out all of the top soil to about 6 inches and replaced it with turf friendly soil and compost. It worked a treat until the winter where it died once again. I don't just mean go brown, it turned to mud. I'm rarely at home so we don't stand on it and the dog has access once a week at most. The neighbours turf is glorious and they are here everyday (the grass if definately greener on the other side). Soil is clay based so lots of water retention but I included sand in the soil to try and negate this.

I'm running out of ideas on how to fix this! 

Pictures attached of the current state of the lawn. Any help would be much appreciated!!

G

Posts

  • G-MacG-Mac Posts: 3
    Close up of the soil. Lots of lumps which may indicate an abundance of worms or other pests?
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    I don't know what to suggest about the lawn but have you considered getting rid of it completely if it is going to be such a bother?
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • G-MacG-Mac Posts: 3
    Yes but I'm stubborn as hell and won't let it beat me!
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Worms often make a lot of casts like that when the ground is totally sodden and they’re coming up god air. I think your lawn’s problem is a lack of drainage. 
    Just a thought, but when it rains, where does all the water that falls on your patio go to? 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Nature can be awful stubborn too. It might be worth considering that something might look better than a small patch of grass -even if it was perfect.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • tsteed97tsteed97 Posts: 13
    I once laid a new lawn with top soil only and the drainage was terrible. Brilliant lawn In the summer and it would die every winter. 
    I think the problem is drainage as well. 
    Could try digging in a shovel and moving back and forth to make a void to add in sharp sand across the area and then re-seeding.
    Just my opinion though, happy to hear other suggestions.

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