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Laying lawn

tgp1233tgp1233 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi all, What's the harm in laying turf over an area previously covered in a membrane and decorative stone I've removed 4/5t of stone shaped the ground with remaining stone 2/3 in. cover with 3/4 in of soil then turf below the membrane is  wet clay soil.
Surely the membrane should have no adverse affect to the lawn?
Appreciate any advice🙂

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Even if the grass roots manage to penetrate the membrane the wet clay soil below is going to be a problem as it will lead to moss and poor grass growth.   A good lawn needs good soil and plenty of TLC thru the year.

    I think you really need to remove the membrane and work that clay to improve drainage and aeration and then you'll have a really good lawn as clay is fertile.   If I were you I'd take the time to do that and then sow seed next spring rather than rush in now and do a bodge.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=424 for how to prepare ground for sowing tho the same applies for laying turf which is much more expensive.

       


    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    If your gravel is bigger than pea shingle I doubt the grass would last long. Stones work themselves to the surface over time and you would certainly wreck your mower. 
    If you want to lay grass as you suggested lay artificial stuff. If you want real grass there are no shortcuts. Do the work now or spend the next few years trying to repair a sad looking lawn.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not a great idea I'm afraid, for the reasons already given.
    You need to break up the clay, and you need gravel that is small enough, mixed in, to aid drainage, not just laid on top. Pea gravel is fine, but anything bigger is useless. Stones lower down in the soil wouldn't cause problems, but near the surface, they work their way out. 
    You'd need a reasonable depth of soil for the grass to be healthy enough, but if you don't address the compacted soil, it's going to be a problem, and a waste of time.
    Did you mean 3 to 4 inches of soil, or three quarters of an inch? Hard to tell with the way it's written. You'd need a good few inches anyway.

    I had exactly the same situation here. I removed everything and dug over the compacted ground. I also raised it slightly, because of the state of the ground. I left some of the gravel, dug in,  because we have wet conditions, and drainage is important. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • tgp1233tgp1233 Posts: 3
    Appreciated advice thank you I'll work the clay👍
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