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Grass seedling lawn eruptions
MattyD
Posts: 34
Hi GWers,
under the influence of a Bunny Guinness 'yes you can sow grass seed in winter' Telegraph article, I sowed grass seed on a completely rotovated lawn in late October 2016. The seed sprouted and grew 2 inches until the first frost, it has survived I'm glad to see.
But, I've noticed that in some areas the soil under the grass has elevated as though something has pushed it up, or pulled it up. It's areas around 2-3inches across.
What's doing this?!
I should add that whilst digging out the layer of old grass last year and then rotovatimg, I pulled out about 30 chafer grubs. But these wouldn't affect the lawn in winter would they?
Please see the image for reference. I'd love to hear what you think it could be!
0
Posts
Possibly mole tunnels - they like to do this under grass. Not much you can do except flatten them down gently when the grass has had some time to establish. Oh, and you need to get those sycamore seeds out before you have a mini forest
frost lifts the ground as well
agree re sycamore
In the sticks near Peterborough
they look too small for mole hills, sadly I have lots at the moment, so plenty to compare with!
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Thanks Nutcutlet, yours seems the most plausible explanation, I wasn't aware of that.
I did some googling about frost in lawns, this image came up that matches what's going on in my lawn - 'frost heaving' it's known as!
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/winter-injury/frost-heaving.aspx
I sowed some grass in November and it looks much the same. I sow grass any old time if it's not actually frozen. It won't die, it just stops growing til the frost goes away. Rolling is probably what it needs but I haven't got a roller. It's a small area so I walk on it. OH will probably drive the ride on mower over it. It's a small area of new grass but part of a much bigger bit of grass (it's not lawn, it's grass
)
In the sticks near Peterborough
hi just reading all this so I can sew some grass seeds now ? as ive weeded 12in in to ground
? and been told as soon as I grass seed will help stop weeds growing bk ?
I would wait with sowing until the soil has warmed up now - germination will be poor, and most of the seeds will rot. I've tried it before, so unless you live in a very warm area, I'd leave it.
As for the heaps, it could also be worm casts that have been flattened by rain. I have loads of them. Nothing to worry about, they airate the soil and are a sign of fertility. Just oversow in spring and it will be fine.
ok thank u