On 17/11/2014 09:16, Nick Maclaren wrote:
In article ,
Broadback wrote:

My lawn, of about the same size was very tatty. Then I had a large tree
removed from near the lawn, the stump grinders equipment left two long
gouges/depressions in the lawn. I considered having it "refurbished" at
a cost of almost £2,000, my exchequer (wife) vetoed that. So I searched
the net and found: The Lawnsmith at Lawnsmith.co.uk. I read and took his
advice, purchased equipment and fertilisers etc... worked hard over last
Summer and Autumn, my lawn now looks great, no moss and few weeds. The
cost a little over £100, I am well pleased. Of course being retired
meant I had the time.

I can second that. Mine was half moss, and was being taken over
by unsuitable weeds. Lots of ferrous sulphate and fertiliser,
one go of (yuck) Verdone, and it is quite reasonable. Of course,

Spot weeding on lawns with Verdone is OK but I wouldn't be keen on
applying it to the entire lawn. I quite like some of the wildflowers.
(I draw the line at dandelions and buttercups though - too invasive)

the moss is returning now that we are into the soggy season,
but it was the dominance that was the problem.

Buy 1 Kg tubs of ferrous sulphate online, or 5 Kg if you have a
large lawn.

End of season spring weed and feed is generally very cheap at this time
of year to make room for dracula/santas grotto (repurposed after 31/10).

Maybe a bit late to catch a bargain now but it keeps OK in a dry
location. Cutting the ferrous sulphate with ammonium sulphate and sand
so you dilute it will give the grass a head start and slightly help
drainage. A good hollow tined fork will improve drainage (although they
tend to bend or jam up on my pebble ridden boulder clay subsoil).

--
Regards,
Martin Brown