Same problem every summer, now I need to sort it !

Our lawn, I think used to be terraced. Now as a lawn it has two levels, which is great for the grandkids to roll down but the two grassy banks are very exposed to the sun, dry out very quickly and become an unsightly brown for most of the summer.

I really don't want to water every day with the sprinkler, so I'm just wondering whether anybody has any ideas how I can sort it. I thought I might drill a couple of 12 " holes every square foot or so and fill with small pepples in order for any rain to soak in rather than run off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v449/DingleRoad/P1010832.jpg

 

On a similar thread to John, only mow the bank every 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Could it be that the ground has become so compacted over the years that the grass can only get very shallow roots in, and water can't soak in?

 

Tyke, if you put pebbles in it will make it free draining, thus taking the water away from the grass anyway.

 

perhaps put a thick layer of topsoil over the grass ...

but first, water well to soften the soil, then use a garden fork to prod holes all over? .... once the grass breaks through, add some slow release lawn fertilizer such as Scotts autumn lawn fertilizer? ... seems like those areas will need constant watering during dry summers

not sure if this will be a long term solution

 

Thanks for all the replies. I think this might have caused the problem. I have quite a heavy Honda rotary cutter, it has two front wheels and a roller at the back, maybe this is compacting the ground too much.

 

I think the problem is due to a lack of water and not your lawnmower ... we have had a very dry summer .... if you water the grass well, once a week during the dry months, it may look a lot better in the future ... the slopes will definately need watering ... you don't need to water daily .... a good soaking once a week is good enough for grass, especially if you occasionaly feed it with lawn fertilizer

many gardens in my area have yellow dry grass at the moment ... those who have watered with a sprinkler are looking fine and lush

 

OK thanks very much for the advice

 

I can't see the mower being to blame.

If your ground is clay, then it will compact naturally over years of use, and the cycle of getting wet in the rain followed by drying out again.

If that's the problem, then aerating it and top dressing with sand might help. I've done it a couple of times with some success, but I haven't done it enough times to call myself an expert on the subject, but I'm sure someone who knows better than me will be along to advise shortly.

 

get one of these and use it often:
Lawn Rake

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-GARDE...arden_GardenPowerTools_CA&hash=item2c5dcab837

then, add the topsoil and water well

adjust your mower to cut the grass at no shorter than 1 inch high ... should sort the problem