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Removing artificial grass

andreweagleandreweagle Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have removed the grass and now have about 70 sq.m of sharp send at about 1-2 inches depth on top of a permeable membrane
I intend to keep some down as a base for walkways.
The rest I want to put down to beds.
Questions: 
1. Should I cultivate the very compressed soil under the membrane?
2. Should I use top soil - if so any advice on what sort (local area tends to be slightly clay)
3. Should I mix the sand in with the top soil or just bag up and sell?
thanks
Andy

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Yes, Yes, yes.

    Compressed soil is no good at all for growing plants in , you need to loosen it.

     If you can get good loam fine, but otherwise slightly clay soil can be improved with a load of  compost or well rotted farm yard or stable manure. This would give a good soil to grow things in.

     Remove the semi permeable membrane from everywhere except under paths.

     Sharp sand  could be sold if you can get a buyer, or used to mix with compost  for pots.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Personally, I would dig in the sharp sand once the membrane was removed. If it is sharp sand then it will at worst do no harm and if your area is clay it would help lighten the soil. Lot easier than bagging and selling it
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Organic matter dug in to the new beds would be good too. The soil is probably in poor condition after being compressed under the membrane and sand. You'll only need to add more topsoil if you need to raise the levels after digging in the sand and plenty of organic matter.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • andreweagleandreweagle Posts: 2
    fidgetbones said:
    Yes, Yes, yes.

    Compressed soil is no good at all for growing plants in , you need to loosen it.

     If you can get good loam fine, but otherwise slightly clay soil can be improved with a load of  compost or well rotted farm yard or stable manure. This would give a good soil to grow things in.

     Remove the semi permeable membrane from everywhere except under paths.

     Sharp sand  could be sold if you can get a buyer, or used to mix with compost  for pots.
    Can I dig the sand into the soil too, as well as manure?

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Very much so. As I said before, if your soil is clay then sharp sand will do it the world of good when humus is added as well.
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