Laying Lawn?

[WiZeR]

Hi all

I am working on my garden over the weekend and want to replace a very uneven an weedy lawn. The lawn drops down a steepish slope. It is very bumpy and i'd like to take the current lawn off and level it so the slope is even as it drops down. I'm also cutting steps into it.

Do I have to completely remove the old lawn to do this? What can I use to level the slope? Does it have to be topsoil or will sand be ok?

I'd apprecieate your comments on this as I have never laid a lawn before.

Many thanks

[sewer rat]

WiZer
A lot depends on what method you are intending to use to re-establish your lawn. Are you buying in turf or are you gonna reseed ? Either way, lift the old turf - you can lift it all or you can lift only those sections that you deem too bumpy and / or rough. If you lift it all, dig out any perennial weeds, and rake it over til you have a fine tilth and the slope is even and shaped to your satisfaction. If reseeding, sow your seed by scattering by hand from a bucket, then tamp the surface down with the back of a garden rake. If laying turf, tamp the surface before laying the turf and lay the turf so that joints do not fall in a line. After laying the turf, lay a board across it and tamp it down too. Scatter some multi purpose compost of fine topsoil along the joints and let it grow. Keep it well watered for the first wee while to help it bed in.

If you are cutting steps, I would do this first as you can use the soil you take out to level out any major bumps, and also you will need to use less seed or turf - and, call me lazy but I don't see the point in raking everything nice and smooth then digging it all up again!

Hope this helps - if you need more specific info, PM me and I'll do my best.

[WiZeR]

thanks 'rat, rain has stopped play today. Hopefully it will brighten up for later and dry it out for the rest of the weekend :/