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New lawn problems

leonmenzlerleonmenzler Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Ive just moved house and it’s got a bit of a project garden. My lawn is uneven and half (what looks like) dead. My first thought is to dig it all up, level it and re turf. Having checked the soil under the tree where it looks dead, it’s extremely dry, dusty and has a white coating does anyone have any recommendations as to what will help this? I don’t want to spend on new turf for it not to root properly with the poor soil.

Any ideas will be welcomed! 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You're unlikely to get grass to grow under the tree. 
    Rather than go to the time , trouble and expense of removing everything, you can rake and scarify the existing plot,  and level with a layer of topsoil which you can then reseed.
    Early autumn is a good time to sow,  as ground and conditions are usually suitable. If you live in an area with consistent rainfall, you can do it before then. Use something sturdy [there are lots of types of mixes available with grass seed] and then it'll be more able to withstand drier conditions.
    You can also leave the grass a bit longer during the growing season to help avoid it drying out and yellowing.

    Alternatively - don't have grass if the conditions aren't ideal. Lots of small gardens are very effective and attractive just done with thoughtful, simple planting :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • leonmenzlerleonmenzler Posts: 2
    Fairygirl said:
    You're unlikely to get grass to grow under the tree. 
    Rather than go to the time , trouble and expense of removing everything, you can rake and scarify the existing plot,  and level with a layer of topsoil which you can then reseed.
    Early autumn is a good time to sow,  as ground and conditions are usually suitable. If you live in an area with consistent rainfall, you can do it before then. Use something sturdy [there are lots of types of mixes available with grass seed] and then it'll be more able to withstand drier conditions.
    You can also leave the grass a bit longer during the growing season to help avoid it drying out and yellowing.

    Alternatively - don't have grass if the conditions aren't ideal. Lots of small gardens are very effective and attractive just done with thoughtful, simple planting :)
    Thanks for the reply! 
    Just one more question, how much topsoil would be classed as a layer? Does it need to be deep at all to allow for rooting? 
    Sorry if that’s a silly question, but I’ve come from just having a yard so this is all new to me! 
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