Poor quality grass in the rear garden
Discussion
I apologise in advance as my gardening knowledge is as great as my ability to predict next week's lotto numbers. Anyhow, the rear garden on a house I am buying is pretty naff. The grass is half dead and non-existent for the other half. Do any PHers have any views as to whether I should dig up say in February and plant new seeds or should I lay down some new turf? Any pros and cons would be appreciated.
I'm new to the gardening business so be kind!
I'm new to the gardening business so be kind!
We only have a small lawn at the back, but it is mostly rather crap. Weak and feeble grass, sketchy coverage, tends to rip out when mowed. I think it has something to do with half the area being overhung by a couple of trees, one damson, one horse chestnut, but I'm not sure. I heard that certain trees sap the surrounding ground of nutrients?
There are different varieties of grass, some more suited to shade than others, try reseeding with some of those, also feed the lawn with some evergreen to pep it up and water regularly until grass is fully established.
As for OP, there is normally a reason unless it's a drought, are there thirsty trees nearby? Bad grass choice, poor soil quality, can it be enriched by feeding, or rotivate, more soil and reseed/turf. Turfing is more expensive, but is also much much easier.
As for OP, there is normally a reason unless it's a drought, are there thirsty trees nearby? Bad grass choice, poor soil quality, can it be enriched by feeding, or rotivate, more soil and reseed/turf. Turfing is more expensive, but is also much much easier.
Thanks guys. There aren't all that many trees around at all that could be sapping up nutrients. I think the previous owners weren't keen gardeners and just left the garden to fend for itself.
The garden is patchy - parts have no grass and those that do seem to have poor quality grass.
I'm likely to complete in February on the house so is that the best time to start playing with the garden or am I best to wait until the summer - clearly it depends on how long grass takes to grow.
Does anybody know the costs involved? It's a 65 by 30 foot garden.
The garden is patchy - parts have no grass and those that do seem to have poor quality grass.
I'm likely to complete in February on the house so is that the best time to start playing with the garden or am I best to wait until the summer - clearly it depends on how long grass takes to grow.
Does anybody know the costs involved? It's a 65 by 30 foot garden.
thebullettrain said:
Thanks guys. There aren't all that many trees around at all that could be sapping up nutrients. I think the previous owners weren't keen gardeners and just left the garden to fend for itself.
The garden is patchy - parts have no grass and those that do seem to have poor quality grass.
My hunch is that they let the grass grow a foot high, then chopped it down to 1/2" for the sale, leaving floppy yellow wisps. Grass doesn't like that.The garden is patchy - parts have no grass and those that do seem to have poor quality grass.
thebullettrain said:
I'm likely to complete in February on the house so is that the best time to start playing with the garden or am I best to wait until the summer - clearly it depends on how long grass takes to grow.
I'd leave it until Easter - milder but not hot. You'd be amazed how much water a lawn loses on a hot summer day. I've seen lawns brought back to decent order just by patient re-seeding over existing grass, but it will take a year or two. As mentioned, turf is quicker but more expensive, and don't imagine that it's a fit-and-forget operation - unlike carpet it will still need copious watering and maintenance.And watch out for weeds - with weak grass and bare soil, the weeds will have a field day. I think the key is be patient and try to understand the factors involved. I'm sure a Google for 'How to seed/turf a lawn' will tell you all.
Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 26th December 10:02
Simpo Two said:
Also ask yourself why the grass is half dead - there may be some underlying problem which will do for new grass as well.
Can you define the condition better?
Absolutely, poor soil, lacking drainage, being clay, lots of stones, lacking nutrients, being in a shady area, not just through trees but boundary wall or property, and do the present property owners have a dog, any one of these can be a reason for a bad lawn.Can you define the condition better?
I have a similar rear lawn to King Herald, mainly due to trees and a tall boundary wall, stony ground and having a dog, so there is no point in attempting to either repair or replace the present lawn.
If the OP either finds the lawn is full of weeds, stones or uneven, then February being a month for frost, is a good month to dig the ground over to remove both weeds and stones, allowing the frost to break down the soil, bringing any more stones to the surface. Further digging, weeding or removing stones can/should be carried out up to the months of either May or June, theses months being preferable months for either seeding or laying new turf.
As with any remedial works, it is the preparation that is the most important.
Whichever you choose,leave it until end of March or Early April.Seed won't germinate and turf doesn't take well in February especially if there is any frost around.
A relatively inexpensive book(around £8) 'The Lawn Expert' by Dr Hessayon can be got from garden centres or good book shops,very informative for the novice.
A relatively inexpensive book(around £8) 'The Lawn Expert' by Dr Hessayon can be got from garden centres or good book shops,very informative for the novice.
Edited by netherfield on Saturday 26th December 12:47
I would get Green Thumb to come round and have a look at it (or their local equivalent) - www.greenthumb.co.uk
They will be able to tell you whether they can recover what is there with their magic potions or how best to replace it (and probably recommend someone to do it for you). Our chap comes once a quarter and it is looking great after a few months of care and decent mowing.
They will be able to tell you whether they can recover what is there with their magic potions or how best to replace it (and probably recommend someone to do it for you). Our chap comes once a quarter and it is looking great after a few months of care and decent mowing.
miniman said:
I would get Green Thumb to come round and have a look at it (or their local equivalent) - www.greenthumb.co.uk
They will be able to tell you whether they can recover what is there with their magic potions or how best to replace it (and probably recommend someone to do it for you). Our chap comes once a quarter and it is looking great after a few months of care and decent mowing.
Yep, I think this is the best direction for OP.They will be able to tell you whether they can recover what is there with their magic potions or how best to replace it (and probably recommend someone to do it for you). Our chap comes once a quarter and it is looking great after a few months of care and decent mowing.
Rototilling can, if not re rolled properly, create a very bumpy lawn when it resettles.
Grading to improve drainage, then slit seeding should get you a decent lawn. Grass seed germinates at 50F, so getting it done at the right time will help. March possibly ?
[quote=jeff Rototilling can, if not re rolled properly, create a very bumpy lawn when it resettles.
Grading to improve drainage, then slit seeding should get you a decent lawn. Grass seed germinates at 50F, so getting it done at the right time will help. March possibly ?
[/quote]
That of course is why one should never use a roller on recently dug ground, simply either just allowing the ground to settle, or walking on/over the ground.
Whether one digs the ground depends upon the points/issues I raised in my original posting, and if digging is required, then early February, the time of ground frost, being the best time to breaking down the soil.
As to seeding, then onwards from either April or May, depending on location one is in the UK, when the ground is warm and encourages germination.
Grading to improve drainage, then slit seeding should get you a decent lawn. Grass seed germinates at 50F, so getting it done at the right time will help. March possibly ?
[/quote]
That of course is why one should never use a roller on recently dug ground, simply either just allowing the ground to settle, or walking on/over the ground.
Whether one digs the ground depends upon the points/issues I raised in my original posting, and if digging is required, then early February, the time of ground frost, being the best time to breaking down the soil.
As to seeding, then onwards from either April or May, depending on location one is in the UK, when the ground is warm and encourages germination.
When I moved into this house the back garden had been very neglected, grass was at least a foot high etc etc. Cut it down with a petrol strimmer then mowed it level. It got watered, alot (bear in mind this was August), and watered again! The lawn was mowed and watered regulary and allthough it doesn't resemble Lords or Wembley, it looks alot better than the neighbours!
Just look after it, water if needs be and mow it properly and regulary!
Just look after it, water if needs be and mow it properly and regulary!
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