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Block paving into lawn

carebear82.cccarebear82.cc Posts: 13
in Problem solving
We spent today removing the block paving to make way for a lawn. Now the bricks are up, we're not sure what's next. Having googled it I can see that the general advice is to remove all of the sand and any bits beneath it. However, some have said to just lay turf on the sand, after having put lots of top soil down first. I'm really hoping this is doable. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Will try and add a picture

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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    In theory, you can mix some topsoil with the sand and lay turf. However, what matters most is the condition of the ground underneath that, and unfortunately, it's often terrible in those circumstances. 
    The sand is also a factor, because if it's the wrong type, it can make matters worse in terms of drainage. 
    It might better to dig a few holes and determine how compacted the ground is lower down. It's usually very solid when there's paving of any kind on top. There may also be a layer of hardcore underneath, which isn't very hospitable for grass. 
    Sorry if that sounds a bit negative, but it's a shame to spend money and time laying turf, only to find later on that it's failing. It only makes it harder to improve it.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • carebear82.cccarebear82.cc Posts: 13
    Fairygirl said:
    In theory, you can mix some topsoil with the sand and lay turf. However, what matters most is the condition of the ground underneath that, and unfortunately, it's often terrible in those circumstances. 
    The sand is also a factor, because if it's the wrong type, it can make matters worse in terms of drainage. 
    It might better to dig a few holes and determine how compacted the ground is lower down. It's usually very solid when there's paving of any kind on top. There may also be a layer of hardcore underneath, which isn't very hospitable for grass. 
    Sorry if that sounds a bit negative, but it's a shame to spend money and time laying turf, only to find later on that it's failing. It only makes it harder to improve it.  :)
    Many thanks for the advice. I was looking for the easy option but I agree with you. We want to get this right with the money and effort we'll be putting into it. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited August 2021
    I know it seems like a real PITA, but it's even more annoying if you have to sort it later!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Usually there'd be about 10cm of hardcore under the sand. It would dry out very quickly if you laid turf straight on top. Would you consider a gravel garden with planting beds instead of a lawn? 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • carebear82.cccarebear82.cc Posts: 13
    Loxley said:
    Usually there'd be about 10cm of hardcore under the sand. It would dry out very quickly if you laid turf straight on top. Would you consider a gravel garden with planting beds instead of a lawn? 
    No not really, we want a grass lawn for a safe space for our toddler to play on. When you say dry out very quickly, do you mean the grass? Total novice here, I've never even planted a flower! 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Yes, if you laid turf direct on sand+harcore it would totally dry out during the first long spell of hot weather. I think you'll need to remove the hardcore if you want a nice lawn. To reduce the amount of topsoil you need to bring in you can probably re-use the sand (if it's sharp sand) which is normally about 5cm deep, but you'll have to stockpile it. 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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