Hi all

The previous owners of my house layed membrane and then gravel over the soil
in the back garden.

I have lifted the gravel but left the membrane down for now, and ultimately
would like to turf the area. I have three linked questions, and I am
wondering if anyone can help with them.

1) Should I lift the membrane and let some air get to the (now compacted and
claylike) soil before turfing, or can I turf without exposing the soil? I
should mention that the soil looks a bit 'stagnent'. If I need to dry it
out, how long should I leave the soil exposed.

2) While lifting a corner of the membrane, I can see what looks like roots
compacted in the soil, Whats the best stuff to poison the area with, and how
long should I leave it before turfing.

3) a nice easy one, how thick (roughly) is a piece of turf (so I can get my
path levels correct)


any help for a newbie gardner would be welcome


many thanks

Andy