On Mon, 18 Jul 2005 09:07:25 +0100, CJT
wrote:

Hi,

I've a lawn which was lain about 3 years ago, but has since been
neglected. It's very hard, and has a slight incline which means that
any watering tends to trickle down and collect at the bottom.

Also, it's getting quite weedy and mossy (plus some dead patches).

So, am i right in thinking that what i really need for restoring my lawn
is good aeriation? And am i also right in thinking that good aeriation
will allow the lawn to soften, breathe and therefore produce a stronger
grass, which will prevent weeds/moss?

If so, i'd like to acquire some of those shoes with spikes for walking
on the lawn, but can't find them in the usual DIY stores. Does anybody
know where to find them? Or is there a simpler alternative?

The 'shoes' do not penetrate nearly deeply enough to be any use. Just
use a garden fork later in the year and then top dress with sharp sand
/ manure / compost. Its not an instant solution but its cheaper and
more effective than most of the alternatives.

If you have a big area you can get machines to do this but they are
expensive and not worth considering until you are considering an area
which is a significant fraction of an acre (where significant is a
variable defined by your budget time and enthusiasm)

JB