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  Phil Voice October 22, 2008 at 8:34pm

  Martin
  
  If there is sufficient compaction in the lawn I would look to hollow core the surface. By doing this it is possible to introduce a balanced root zone mixture to a consistent depth.
  
  One problem that you may find is the existing sand root zone may not let you punch out a consistent core.
  
  Fenland peat is a good addition to your medium but I would resist being too heavy on pure loam.
  If this is a family lawn then I would also consider mixing in some sieved leaf mould too.
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  Classic Gardens October 23, 2008 at 5:29pm

  It is a family lawn phil tbh its nearly impossible to have anything other, the leaf mould idea sounds the best option but finding the amount needed would be hard.
  Would soil made from crushed hardcore used as a topdress be an option. I know nutriant wise this wouldnt be the best way but could some be added to balance it out.
  
  Cheers for the help
  
  
  Philip Voice said:

  Martin
  
  If there is sufficient compaction in the lawn I would look to hollow core the surface. By doing this it is possible to introduce a balanced root zone mixture to a consistent depth.
  
  One problem that you may find is the existing sand root zone may not let you punch out a consistent core.
  
  Fenland peat is a good addition to your medium but I would resist being too heavy on pure loam.
  If this is a family lawn then I would also consider mixing in some sieved leaf mould too.
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  steve loftus October 24, 2008 at 9:21am

  im with Phil, definitely a hollow core ,followed by a dressing mix of 1 part sand/2parts peat/4parts loam,this will increase the rootzone for the grass ,and with a decent feed and decent seed you should have a much better lawn. with kids you should be using a hard wearing ryegrass mix,we use advanta mm50,headstart coated seed,hardwearing and tolerates a short cut,we have had germinationin 4 days with this given the right conditions,it will need doing soon before it gets to cold.please do not use crushed hardcore
• PRO

  Phil Voice October 24, 2008 at 5:10pm

  Martin
  
  I would avoid the soil mixture that you suggest if possible. Does the budget stretch to importing quality mixtures?
  
  You could buy the dressing in in bags but it depends on the scale of the project to know if this would be cost effective.
  
  What area are you dealing with?
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  Classic Gardens October 24, 2008 at 6:46pm

  Sorry guys it would help if i gave you the ares first.
  
  Its a large block of flats with extensive lawns all the way around averaging 2000 sm, to buy ready made is approx £120 that covers 100 square metres at 4mm depth which not including del and labour works out to much for a communal block of flats.
  
  Here lies the problem with cost the soil which i was on about in my previous post is crushed hardcore but is sived and mixed with soil and sand and very very fine its also used in laying lawns by all the landscapers in our area, and at £8 a tonne is cheap.
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  steve loftus October 24, 2008 at 7:22pm

  martin, what area are you in, Taurus in aldershot had a glut of soil recently,and were shipping out 20 tons cheap as chips,they recycle ,so get a lot of soil in all the time,not sure if they are a national company or not.
  also try turf companies,we get some great dressing for about £35-45 per dumpy,also ask your local golf course if they can help with a supplier,we use "sherriff amenity".
  do you have a postcode for the site,we can google earth it and have a look
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  Classic Gardens October 24, 2008 at 11:06pm

  Hi steve the area i live is lytham st annes lancashire
  
  The addy for the property is Majestic, Clifton Drive North, Lytham St. Annes FY8 2PH its the big block on the corner of the cross roads they also own more down the prom.
  
  As you can see its right on the front and when the westerly winds come in it dumps half the beach on the lawns
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  steve loftus October 25, 2008 at 10:20am

  hi martin, i see what you mean about seafront. i did notice a golf course down the road,have a chat to the greenkeepers and find out how they deal with their greens, mixtures/seeds etc,they may help you out with a supplier of dressings,but my guess is it will be hollow core/dress/fert/seed,but it will be an ongoing process as we are dealing with mother nature.