Lawns

Your photo is not very clear so if my reply seems wrong, let me know. I would avoid tilling by machine totally. Its only a small area, which you tell me had large trees and therefore roots. This will frustrate rotovation. In addition, good lawn preparation requires the soil to remain structured...

I think I can see ground elder in the weeds. It is very difficult to get rid of. Every bit of root will need digging out which is almost impossible. It dies down in the winter. Then when growth starts spray with glyphosate but it will probably need 2 sprayings.There is also a wild hardy...

Thanks for the replies, they’re really interesting. Any more advice anyone?I’m visiting her tomorrow so will see the problem and let her know what’s been suggested.

@Dave King I have found time to provide you with a written explanation of my previous tic post. Soil Organic Matter is Good

One wonders which lawn grass variety grows to 250mm since ,say, November ?

Thank you for your thoughts. Reading reviews about the hollow tine aerators people were saying they found them blunt and some chose to sharpen them. A lot of modern garden tools seem to be made blunt. There are some stones, I hadn't considered that @JennyJBRye grasses, you're right @infradig...

Thank-you, that does look like it. No idea where it has come from, it has not been there before. He is usually well up on lawn problems as a greens keeper for the Bowling Green in town.

On my back lawn I have a big clump of tall red clover and one of yarrow, I mow around them carefully! On the front I am getting lots of self heal, which is a beautiful plant.

I would wait at least until the seed has germinated and grown enough so that it is firmly anchored by its roots so that won't be disturbed by spreading more soil etc, and the new grass has long enough leaves that they will still have a decent amount showing above the dressing.

Turf is OK this time of year but will need regular watering. Seeds can be used in the Autumn.What is good for young kids is a tough variety of grass. They still need to be kept off the turf for just a few weeks in order to let it establish.

Premium topsoil - sometimes that just means no stones. No reason why you can’t just use only soil (only up to an inch in depth in case you smother existing grass). Just makes the surface more lumpy, hence the sand. But a little soil probably won’t improve things by much, especially if there is...

Thank you I'm just going to try it on the back lawn now as it's become an annoyance to look at! I bought a large bag so will have enough for a second application if it warms up again!

Can anyone recommend a treatment for Nutsedge in my lawn. You Tube says Sedgehammer is the best treatment but it's incredibly expensive. Can anyone recommend an alternative ?

Have you considered removing more of the grass to create a decent sized border @GardenJoy? You wouldn't notice the shallow problem area as the foliage of plants nearby will spread outwards to cover it. You could also cover the border with bark to complete it. That's what I've done alongside my...

Wait and see is the gardener’s motto.

Yes, topsoil is better for grass seed. I also put a thin layer on top of the seed and then walk on it to ensure it is in contact with the soil below. This also hides the seed from birds, apart from pigeons .

My OH is really the lawn expert and has had a petrol mower ever since we were married (over 45 years). He's a traditional type and likes the stripes (so do I) and has always had a Suffolk Punch model. I think they've now been superseded by Allett, not cheap last time I looked. I'm sure there are...

It is possible to seed earlier in the year but you will need to water constantly to keep the seed growing. The weather is usually much wetter later so no need to water. Birds are always a problem with seeding, that is why it is recommended to sow thickly. However a thin layer of sieved topsoil...

Didn't think of that!