New Lawn
DixieDeanLiverpool
Posts: 2
Hi all. I live in a very clay soil area and my lawn has always been waterlogged despite having laid drainage under a lot of it. I am having an extension built at the moment so the guy digging the footings has taken off the turf and is pulling back the top soil which I am going to use on my flower beds as these could do with some more on them.
My question is, what should I put back down to lay my lawn on? Should I seed or turf? I would like a fine but durable lawn.
My thoughts have been to lay say 3 or 4 inches of gravel, the same of sharp sand then some new top soil.
Would this be OK or are other options better? What about acidity, is that an issue and what should I avoid?
Any help would be gratefully received. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I want to get it right!
Posts
Hi,
I am not a lawn expert but your idea for ground prep seems good to me. Seed will definitely give you more choice as regards quality, balance of fine vs durable etc, there are some good quality turfs available too but the general stuff form DIY outlets will lean towards utility hard wearing mixes.
Have a look at www.lawnsmith.co.uk they have good advice and products, also you can't go far wrong with RHS advice on such things or back copies of GW for that matter.
Thanks. Would still value any further comments please
Just got march GW lots about Lawns in this Month, although some a bit contrary AT article on Organic lawns followed by 2 pages promoting chemicals! (I suppose they call it balance). Just thought are you re-doing the whole lawn? if not then going too fine with the new bit will look odd. Also bear in mind a very fine lawn- tempting though they seem, is a lot of work, they need a lot of maintenance, cutting at least every week in growing season often twice, as well as scarifying,aerating feeding etc at least twice a year. If that is what you are into then great, if not go for a more general mix, that does not mean all tough ryegrass.