(I can only post using Google hence the new post, although I have
searched through old threads, honestly!)

My lawn at the back has a circular section of turf removed of about 7
feet in diameter (also currently about 4 inches below the level of the
rest of the garden). We have used this in the past for bedding, a
couple of aborted attepmts at shrubs (cats/kids/footballs - don't get
me going) and a few other experiments. We have come to the conclusion
that we need to put it back to grass again - it is right in the middle
of the lawn.

My question is - do I topsoil and seed it, or buy turf? What I am
keen to avoid is creating a huge dimple in the lawn in 12 months time
if I don't get my levels right now. I know I should leave the new bit
raised slightly to allow for settling, but how much by? Is the
required level different if I turf it?

All advice gratefully received.

Andy.

"Andy" wrote in message
om...
(I can only post using Google hence the new post, although I have
searched through old threads, honestly!)

My lawn at the back has a circular section of turf removed of about 7
feet in diameter (also currently about 4 inches below the level of the
rest of the garden). We have used this in the past for bedding, a
couple of aborted attepmts at shrubs (cats/kids/footballs - don't get
me going) and a few other experiments. We have come to the conclusion
that we need to put it back to grass again - it is right in the middle
of the lawn.

My question is - do I topsoil and seed it, or buy turf? What I am
keen to avoid is creating a huge dimple in the lawn in 12 months time
if I don't get my levels right now. I know I should leave the new bit
raised slightly to allow for settling, but how much by? Is the
required level different if I turf it?

All advice gratefully received.

Andy.

Hi Andy,

The choice between seed and turf is really down to you. Personally I'd use
turf, so you get a more instant result, but seeding is obviously cheaper.

Either way, you need to raise the level of the soil in the bed. If you are
going to seed then it needs to be at the same level* as the rest of the
lawn, if using turf, leave the level a couple of inches lower* (buy or get
the turf delivered on the day that you are going to do the job).

Dig the existing soil over, removing any weeds and large stones. Add
additional soil to make up the levels, use a rake to make sure the ground is
flat. Then using small steps tread over all of the soil to remove any voids.
You may need to add more soil to bring the level up, leveling it and
treading it down again. Finally give the soil a very light raking to remove
the footprints.

Lay your turf, or sow seed (if using seed, put in small sticks around the
hole, and stretch fishing line between them deter birds from eating the
seed).

* Don't worry too much about creating a depression in the new area, you can
gradually add topsoil onto the top of the grass to bring the level up once
the grass is growing, but it's difficult to remove raised areas of a lawn
without lifting the new grass.

For more information about turf laying have a look at
http://www.ukgardening.co.uk/project_newlawn.asp.

HTH

Cheers

Nick
http://www.ukgardening.co.uk

"Andy" wrote in message
om...
(I can only post using Google hence the new post, although I have
searched through old threads, honestly!)

My lawn at the back has a circular section of turf removed of about 7
feet in diameter (also currently about 4 inches below the level of the
rest of the garden). We have used this in the past for bedding, a
couple of aborted attepmts at shrubs (cats/kids/footballs - don't get
me going) and a few other experiments. We have come to the conclusion
that we need to put it back to grass again - it is right in the middle
of the lawn.

My question is - do I topsoil and seed it, or buy turf? What I am
keen to avoid is creating a huge dimple in the lawn in 12 months time
if I don't get my levels right now. I know I should leave the new bit
raised slightly to allow for settling, but how much by? Is the
required level different if I turf it?

All advice gratefully received.
personally I would turf it. At least you know that turf will not settle as
much as loose soil and seed.

"w.g.s.hamm" wrote in message ...

personally I would turf it. At least you know that turf will not settle as
much as loose soil and seed.


Turf it is then! Thanks to all who replied. At least this warm(ish)
slightly wet weather should make my task a little easier!

Andy.