"Geoff" wrote in message
om...
After completing a major renovation the front lawn is destroyed.
I want to re-level the front area and then get a nice lawn happening
again.

I want to start with a small area (as we still have some skip bins to
be delivered) around 12 metres square.

the rest of the lawn is Cooch and I want to stay with that, so my
question is:

Seed v Turf, and what brand of seed/turf is best. Location is Sydney
North.

Thanks in advance :-)

Geoff

It would definitely be easiest to stick with couch considering the rest of
the lawn is couch.
If it is a small area (I know you said 12sqm, but there is more huh?) and
you can afford it, go for the turf. Just try and match the couch you have,
even if you need to take some in to a Nursey or Turf place to get and ident
on it. Only problem you may encounter is there may be a minimum amount you
can order if getting it delivered.
Best thing with turf is it's almost instant, and only a matter of keeping
off it for a while, good watering, and it's all good.
If you do decide to go for seed, then again, for looks try match your
existing couch. Best way to spread couch seed is follow the instructions of
how much area the seed will cover, then break that amount down either by
volume or weight, to a smaller amount.
e.g. If a packet covers 100sqm, divide it in half, then half each bit again,
so you are left with 4 lots of seed, each will cover 25sqm. (you will have
to half it again for 12sqm roughly). Measure out the area in the yard, then
use a jar with holes pierced in the lid to spread it. So it's like a salt
shaker. Even practice it with some sand.
This will give you a good even coverage. Couch seed tends to "damp off" if
more seed than needed is used, or if the seed is thick in areas.
One other option, which is probably quicker than seed, is to use runners
from the existing couch. This guarantees you the same couch. It also costs
nothing. Just get the runners from the old grass, then plant them in the new
area. In rows about half a foot apart, the runners in each row about 2inches
apart, and let the length of the runner go into the "half foot" space.
I managed to get our whole backyard done with runners taken from work, of
Greenleas park couch. It took up some time on the weekend now and then, but
well worth it.
If you want more info on runners, reply here.

Whatever way you choose, keep the water up, especially to the runners and
seed. Ensure the seed doesn't dry out once it has sprouted.

Good luck