Same problem every summer, now I need to sort it !

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Tyke, Aug 10, 2011.

  1. Tyke

    Tyke Apprentice Gardener

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    Our lawn, I think used to be terraced. Now as a lawn it has two levels, which is great for the grandkids to roll down but the two grassy banks are very exposed to the sun, dry out very quickly and become an unsightly brown for most of the summer.

    I really don't want to water every day with the sprinkler, so I'm just wondering whether anybody has any ideas how I can sort it. I thought I might drill a couple of 12 " holes every square foot or so and fill with small pepples in order for any rain to soak in rather than run off.

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v449/DingleRoad/P1010832.jpg
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    What sort of mower are you using Tyke? I wonder if you have it set too low for the banks.
     
  3. daitheplant

    daitheplant Total Gardener

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    On a similar thread to John, only mow the bank every 2 to 3 weeks.:dbgrtmb:
     
  4. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    Could it be that the ground has become so compacted over the years that the grass can only get very shallow roots in, and water can't soak in?
     
  5. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

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    Tyke, if you put pebbles in it will make it free draining, thus taking the water away from the grass anyway.
     
  6. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    perhaps put a thick layer of topsoil over the grass ...

    but first, water well to soften the soil, then use a garden fork to prod holes all over? .... once the grass breaks through, add some slow release lawn fertilizer such as Scotts autumn lawn fertilizer? ... seems like those areas will need constant watering during dry summers

    not sure if this will be a long term solution
     
  7. Tyke

    Tyke Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for all the replies. I think this might have caused the problem. I have quite a heavy Honda rotary cutter, it has two front wheels and a roller at the back, maybe this is compacting the ground too much.
     
  8. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    I think the problem is due to a lack of water and not your lawnmower ... we have had a very dry summer .... if you water the grass well, once a week during the dry months, it may look a lot better in the future ... the slopes will definately need watering ... you don't need to water daily .... a good soaking once a week is good enough for grass, especially if you occasionaly feed it with lawn fertilizer

    many gardens in my area have yellow dry grass at the moment ... those who have watered with a sprinkler are looking fine and lush
     
  9. Tyke

    Tyke Apprentice Gardener

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    OK thanks very much for the advice
     
  10. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    I can't see the mower being to blame.

    If your ground is clay, then it will compact naturally over years of use, and the cycle of getting wet in the rain followed by drying out again.

    If that's the problem, then aerating it and top dressing with sand might help. I've done it a couple of times with some success, but I haven't done it enough times to call myself an expert on the subject, but I'm sure someone who knows better than me will be along to advise shortly.
     
  11. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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