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Replies

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  Kieran Ray February 9, 2010 at 10:42pm

  Have you suggested to maybe increse the depth of the soil if this is posible?
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 10, 2010 at 7:52am

  What advantage would increasing depth of soil give?
  
  Kieran Ray said:

  Have you suggested to maybe increse the depth of the soil if this is posible?
• 

  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 10, 2010 at 7:56am

  The existing soil isn't very good, that's why I reckoned on turning in couple of inches of soil conditionor (the likes of Rolawns stuff) to increase organic content etc.. You think it needs more than that?
  
  Pro Gard said:

  What quality is the actual soil that is there curently?
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  Kieran Ray February 10, 2010 at 6:22pm

  It would create a deeper root zone, and there would be more soil before the roots got to the sandstone, its may work may not, have you had a look at maybe using a perticular grass blend that works well in shallow soils?
  
  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt said:

  What advantage would increasing depth of soil give?
  
  Kieran Ray said:

  Have you suggested to maybe increse the depth of the soil if this is posible?
• 

  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 10, 2010 at 8:39pm

  No, never even heard of to be honest - it's a thought though. Will see what I can find.
  
  Kieran Ray said:

  It would create a deeper root zone, and there would be more soil before the roots got to the sandstone, its may work may not, have you had a look at maybe using a perticular grass blend that works well in shallow soils?
  
  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt said:

  What advantage would increasing depth of soil give?
  
  Kieran Ray said:

  Have you suggested to maybe increse the depth of the soil if this is posible?
• PRO

  Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd February 10, 2010 at 9:03pm

  I really rate Soil Improver and would prefer to see it graded from your supplier to 10mm so you won't have too many "sticks" in it. 50mm depth might not be enough, perhaps 75 to 100mm
  
  I have used soil improver many times with turfing and find it helps with holding moisture and nutrients rather well. (It will also help break up clay soils).
  
  -Nick
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  Ruairidh MacDonald February 10, 2010 at 9:58pm

  I would agree with Nick, to grow a healthy lawn in a domestic situation, it generally needs a minimum of two inches of good top soil. Go deeper if you can
• PRO

  Mike Seaton February 10, 2010 at 10:02pm

  Neil
  
  I think some recycled 10mm compost might do the trick mixed into the top soil for the organic bit. Golf greens are grown on an 80/20 sand/sandy loam mix so getting grass to grow should not be a problem. It is going to be very hungry through leaching and be a free draining so lots of wetting agents like granular WA and some great slow release fertiliser at religious 3 monthly intervals. Most sportsfields are not laid on more than 100mm of top soil so 200mm excavation is luxury. Grass is as tough as old boots but avoid Fescues as they will go straw like and then question the construction. Feed the turf as soon as it is laid and again every 3 months or sooner like every two months if the lawn gets Red Thread Disease. See The Lawn Shop advert or www,grassclippings.co.uk for lawn advice.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Mike
• 

  Kieran Ray February 10, 2010 at 10:43pm

  Well these are the words of the man that knows!
  
  Mike Seaton said:

  Neil
  
  I think some recycled 10mm compost might do the trick mixed into the top soil for the organic bit. Golf greens are grown on an 80/20 sand/sandy loam mix so getting grass to grow should not be a problem. It is going to be very hungry through leaching and be a free draining so lots of wetting agents like granular WA and some great slow release fertiliser at religious 3 monthly intervals. Most sportsfields are not laid on more than 100mm of top soil so 200mm excavation is luxury. Grass is as tough as old boots but avoid Fescues as they will go straw like and then question the construction. Feed the turf as soon as it is laid and again every 3 months or sooner like every two months if the lawn gets Red Thread Disease. See The Lawn Shop advert or www,grassclippings.co.uk for lawn advice.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Mike
• 

  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 11, 2010 at 10:38pm

  Very much appreciated guys. Great advice there. The guy didn't seem entirely convinced that I had the real solution but will relay some of this at him now. The feeding at 3 month intervals may looks to be the solution, on top of a bit more organic matter etc.
  
  Thanks again. Well done all!