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Help laying new lawn

jarprocessjarprocess Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi I’d appreciate any advice. I have a small north facing garden that is paved I want to lay turf on part of it I have pulled up the slabs and there is a layer of stones about 6 inch deep underneath those is the dirt. I was planning to dig up some of the stones Keeping some for drainage so they weren’t too deep then layer with topsoil prior to laying turf is this the best way? Or should I dig up all the stones or and this would be great if I could just leave all the stones and top soil over but I suspect that wouldn’t work. I plan to even it all out with topsoil prior to turfing. I’m just wanting to make sure the grass will root and drain ok if there is stones underneath the topsoil. Thanks 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It depends on the size of the stones. Ideally, anything bigger than about 10mm is too big, and needs to be removed. Smaller stuff helps drainage, which you might need in a north facing site  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jarprocessjarprocess Posts: 4
    Thanks @Fairygirl yeah they are 10-20mm more pebble than stone. I thought that may be the case I have to remove 😩. I will get a wheelbarrow and start digging! Thanks for help 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's worth doing. The problem with a thick layer of stone or hardcore under paving is the compacted ground too, so it can be difficult for putting a lawn on top.
    Been there and done it. Our soil here is heavy clay, and the paving slabs were laid on that red coarse sand, so I was able to use quite a bit of that to help with drainage :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jarprocessjarprocess Posts: 4
    edited August 2020
    Last time honest @Fairygirl that sounds similar to what I have would you recommend Once I take stones up, turning soil and covering with sand before topsoil for drainage then? As the soil does seem quite claggy. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As long as it's coarse, gritty sand it helps a bit with drainage. I wouldn't put a layer of it on - just mix it through the existing soil and the new stuff to give a better mix. 
    We get a lot of rain, so I was more concerned with good drainage than with the soil itself. I had builders in with stuff all over it for a month, and we had a couple of dry summers [unheard of where I am!]  so mine was needing a bit of tlc, which I'd planned to do this year. 
    It's still waiting for that, but at least it drains well  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jarprocessjarprocess Posts: 4
    Thanks yes it rains where I am all the time too which is why I need to get drainage right or it will end up a swamp. Thanks so much this is al helpful and much appreciated. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No probs. It's a common problem, but worth putting in the effort now, as it makes it a bit easier later. 
    You'll get a few issues with it being north facing, but if the drainage is decent, that's half the battle.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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