HI Tim,

Thank, really apreciate the detailed advice.

I'll go with the glyphosphate to kill the weeds as the area I am workin on isn't enclosed and although I'll warn them the neighbours kids being kids might stray on the shrub bed. (BTW there aren't any rules about appluying weedkiller to areas that aren't fenced off?) This also rules out a burn although that would probabkly be a great way to do the job if I didn't burn my house down.

The dead tree is small only about 6" thick so hopefully I can get most of it out by digging and cutting. If I were to leave those roots in would it affect the lawn or another small tree if I where to plant it in it's place?

Your the second person to suggest to me a ton of topsoil delived so I may go for that. Will have to ring round and get a few prices.

On the grass type. I'm looking for hardwaring so I'll look for somer rye in it. As I said the area isn't enclosed so those pesky kids will probably use it as a play area.

Thanks Again. I'll post on how it pans out.