Lawns

@toppington thanks to your advice.... experiment I've sown my teabag too ....so will give you an update when there's news

Makes sense Liz

Very interesting Paul, it was a fair few years ago when I tried one out. They have obviously been updated somewhat

Not a very inspiring photo - here is the first fill of the hollow . The area is just under 3ft x 2ft . The soil mix was raked in and smoothed with the back of the rake , trod down and re-smoothed . I reckon it is just under 1/2" thickness . So possibly three of these , the last one having grass...

Well today have ants everywhere even coming out of the bricks of the house a real infestation. Using ant powder carefully as have dog, even resorted to boiling kettles of water and pouring on nests. Never known anything this bad.

They will ban chemicals and access from the public first. This has slowly been going on for years. With modern tech spraying herbicides has got a lot more refined right down to equipment that can use Glyphosate neat thus cutting down on amounts used. The largest abuse comes from public who use...

Many thanks @HarryS @Verdun,I should have explained better, the grass was ok all over the lawn, when I said cutting them I went straight over them with the lawn mower obviously turned them into a pulp,Reading up nasturtiums contain lots of vitamin C ascorbic acid so I'm guessing that's...

Bricks are another good idea. Thank you!

Did you notice any colour change when the area started to die i.e. Red, yellow? Did the area start with patches which slowly enlarged and joined together? Have you tested the pH levels? Have you lifted a section of turf to see what's below? Do you have a photo showing the lawn before you used a...

How often are you cutting it, if it's new turf it looks a tad low. Too much tap water can also effect levels but you would have to really be watering hard but it can be bad depending on area. Quality of turf also comes into play. Is there any sign of white like growth close to the soil?

As @Mowerman said liquid weed and feed twice a year should keep your lawn clear of most nasties. The liquid stuff made by Vitax is not to easy to find in garden centres , had to buy mine on Amazon this year.

Yes ...a summer high nitrogen feed. Liquid is ok but a granular one, in any diy store, would be better Fine to treat in autumn but give it a few weeks off for now :rasp:

Looks like you are cutting too low jonathan. Raise the cut and try to mow at least once a week. Keep well watered too For me regular mowing and higher cut are two of the most important things to do to a lawn right now

Excellent Tim Dont be tempted to cut too short. A raised cut and mowing once a week will keep your lawn looking good. A feed every 4 to 6 weeks too

Ok will keep digging. Did about half today already and wasn't as bad as I thought. Just do a bit at a time. Thanks for the advice.

Just go at the tree any way you like, you won't kill it. Might be nice to expose some trunk so trim the low branches right to the collar at the trunk, and the others just snip off so the tree gets shaped in a way you like the look of.The tiny patches that are left - I'm a fan of trying to...

Im sure it will be fine. The technical answer involves a process called evapotranspiration which in basic terms is how the plant controls the release of moisture through openings in the Cuticle called stomata. Its a very important process as it effect photosynthesis. New turf will have an good...

For me, hand spreading fertiliser is best. Marked out with canes and half spread one way and half the other direction. Quicker than using a spreader

Thanks all for helpful replies. I don't think the lawn will be happening this year, too many other projects at the minute.Thinking about it, where I live I don't believe it possible to have a first rate lawn. The neighboring fields are in poor condition with rushes, unkept new woodland full...

Hi,If it makes you feel any better I'm in a similar boat. I live in the country and no matter what I do I can't avoid couch or weed grasses. They thrive in our cold wet climate and my water retaining soil. They used to bother me and still do but I've learned to relax a bit and enjoy the...