Turf

[Chuckles]

I'm hoping to get started on preparing the area that was my raised pond for laying turf, will also be re turfing the ajoining lawn which has always been pretty poor.

Any hints and tips much appreciated

[Amo]

Yup, get a wriggle on!!! We're going to have a great summer this year and you'll want them established as soon as possible so they don't get affected by the dry spell! ;D

[andy]

The area for turfing just has to be stone free and level, don't worry about getting it down to a fine tilth too much.

I find that raking in a couple of sacks of potting compost into the top 1/2" seems to get the turf rooting quickly. That's really only any use if you have a small area otherwise the costs start getting too high.

Other than that. it's water water water.

[Chuckles]

Ooooh I'm wriggling Amo ;D only 5 weeks till hols and I want to get it down and settled. Thanks for the tips Andy, just been telling OH and he said lay sand or sand and compo mixed.

[andy]

Sand ?...thought that would dry it out too much. Once it's established, a sand mix can be applies in the autum for a top dressing but as said, it will dry things out a bit much.

[Chuckles]

I've challenged him Andy ;D he reckons it will help get the roots going what do you think. I'm was hoping to get some turf ordered this week ready for the weekend, not holding my breath though as I'm struggling atm to get the area cleared.

[Missredhead]

Because my lawn is very wet all the time, I put sand down before laying turfs thinking that it would help with the drainage....it didn't, it is still sodden and has been since it was layed last year.

[Chuckles]

I'm not sure what to think or do tbo Missy, OH is going to try and get the turf for the weekend and I'm not fully ready yet but I don;t want to put him off getting it.

Maybe you would do well to make some holes with the garden fork if you are having probs with drainage.

[Missredhead]

I have tried that Chuckles but it didn't seem to help much.

[Chuckles]

Really odd that your lawn has been sodden all that time Missy, whats the ground like underneath it.

My turf was layed on tuesday, on a thin layer of sand. I've been watering it like a mad woman but there are 2 places that look a bit sad. A good downpour of rain would help. I can't wait for it to get going so that I can mow it, but that will be a while yet.

[Missredhead]

when I layed it I put new soil down with a layer of sand...the beds dry out but not the lawn.

[Chuckles]

Have you thought if using one of those tools that spikes and pulls out a little plug of lawn and you then fill the holes in the lawn with sand. Only other thing I can think of is have yougot a lot of moss or dead thatchy grass in the lawn that could maybe be holding the moisture.

Not sure what else to suggest Missy, wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem and found a solution