Why does my grass die?

I have an area of my lawn where grass simply does not survive. See photo.
Over the years I have used grass seed, really looked after it, watched it grow and then die.
Last year I turfed it, really looked after it, but again, it has died.
The patch of lawn sees the afternoon sun (with little or no shade) and is well watered if not by the rain, then by me.
The rest of the lawn is absolutely fine.
I really don’t get it. Any ideas?

 

Hi @DavidGarden have you tried digging a test hole about a spade deep to see what it's like underneath? If you have a newish garden, it's possible that horrible stuff was dumped there and then a skim of topsoil put over.

 

Thanks for the response.
The garden has been around for about 50 years and I've been here 25 years. Over the last few years as I have prepped the patch for seed and more recently turf, I don’t believe there to be anything untoward there.

 

Does the stuff in the border alongside survive?

 

Could it be an infestation of leather jackets or some such pest, but it does seem strange that it is so localised.

 

Yes. No problems at all. I’m stumped!

 

It’s the same patch every year. Doesn’t spread.

 

Wider photo may help. Could it be over a drain or gas main? Perhaps there is an archaeological feature or something beneath.

 

Seen as you've tried several times @DavidGarden maybe cut across the border where you've marked and make that corner border a little bit bigger.

 

I know where our drains are and they are well away. I can’t think why there would be anything else there.
Does this picture help?

 

Having tried so hard I don’t want to give up?
Also I don’t want to lose the equivalent patch at the opposite end, which I would need to do to keep it symmetrical.

 

No, to be blunt.., because it doesnt give any indication of how the high fence may cast a shadow. Grass we expect to grow anywhere but it does need light.
My guess is that the large evergreen shrub (Bay/Laurel?) has grown its roots in that direction and is starving the grass. A deeper dig in the denuded area, cropping off all roots and to a depth to reach solid subsoil might reveal a cause, but also would enable you to refill with different soil before you returf.

 

Light is not the issue. That spot actually receives the most light out of the entire garden.
Good idea about the roots. I could get a spade down by the border and see if it hits anything.
Last resort ideally is to returf.

 

What is your location please. Might be helpful to make suggestions.

Last resort to me would be to enlarge the order and plant something colourful and interesting there, a feature perhaps.

 

Nottingham UK.