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Helping with getting ground prepped for turfing

Mattstephens.privateMattstephens.private Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi Everyone

looking for some advice. I have been working on my garden and created a path border but the level meant my lawn was lower than the blocks. I took off a decent layer of the old turf and soil and am currently backfilling it ready for turfing.

couple of questions, I am currently rolling the soil before adding around another 50mm of graded topsoil, should I mix with sharp sand to help with the drainage, also the ground is very soft in a few places, tried walking on it to compress and my foot just sank into it :-) what’s the best way to get this level and compacted well enough to lay a nee lawn.

also, I want the lawn level with the top of the blocks, how high against the block should I come to allow for the turf to sit nicely and not too high.

thanks again for any advice, I’ve uploaded the most recent picture.


Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Certainly I would mix the top six inches or so with sharp sand or grit.  When the area is full you march up and down it to compress, then rake level, then  march up and down again.  Let it settle for a while before seeding or turfing.  If you are seeding, bring the soil level with the outer coping. If turfing, you need it the thickness of the turf below it.  I would seed it in March. That gives you all winter to sort out any problems.  If we have heavy rains, and you see standing water, sort out the drainage before seeding.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Letting it settle is one of the most important things IMO. If you rush into turfing or seeding, you end up with a sunken lawn over time, and you're back to square one.  :)

    I'd agree with @fidgetbones re mixing grit etc, and the firming in, regardless of whether you  turf or seed.   
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Mattstephens.privateMattstephens.private Posts: 2
    Thanks.  How much sharp sand to topsoil shall I use?
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Depends on how clayey your topsoil is. You want something that a handful of wet will just hold together in a ball. If it won't form a ball, too sandy. If it holds firm too clayey.
  • Ferdinand2000Ferdinand2000 Posts: 537
    edited October 2020
    You are going to need a play Traffic Warden uniform and a couple of toy wheel clamps to keep those play cars off it  :).

    Or perhaps get one of those famous inventions from the Hitch Hiker universe ... an off-switch for children.
    “Rivers know this ... we will get there in the end.”
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Are you planning to make a flower bed in front of that patio? It would look great to break up what could be an oddly shaped lawn. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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