Raising the level of a lawn

Hi All

I have an existing lawn adjacent to a raised patio area. The lawn has been in a poor condition, patchy, balding and weed ridden. I would like to raise the level of the lawn to run flush with the patio, +3" to 9" varying over the area.

I have completely stripped the top layer of grass and just started to turn over the soil bed. Once I had finished turning over, I had planned to roller the soil? wait 2-3 weeks to check for weed growth, spot weed with an instant biodegradable weed killer then add topsoil and finally turf.

I'm happy with adding top soil and turfing but concerned about turning the existing soil.
Is this necessary when adding 3 to 9 inches of soil and turfing, will the weeds work through?
Could tuning over the existing soil (down about 6" deep) and adding top soil hinder the turf from 'taking'?

I will be looking to lay the best quality turf and want to achieve the best possible results. I'm not too concerned about time and would appreciate any advice before continuing.

Thanks in advance, Mark
B.T.W The old lawn drained well and the area is 35m2.

 

Hi Mark
As you turn the soil over you would if practical be best removing any perennial weeds ie. dandilion, docks.As you have skimmed the turf you will have taken most annual and shallow rooted weeds away .Would then leave fallow as you mentioned removing any odd weeds you have missed (just that I am not a big weedkiller user).any seedlings that appear in this time can just be hoed off on a warm day even a couple of times if need be.
Add the topsoil (making sure it is reasonable soil)
Rather than rolling iIwould tend to tread the soil with you heels and feet close together as rolling can leave soft spots . Trend in different directions then rake do this a couple or so times and you will find the ground will be firm evenly all over.Turning your soil over will not have stop turf fom 'taking'
Take your time and once you are happy with your levels the turf cam be laid , Try and lay when soil is moist not dry .
Hope this helps ..
Dave

 

Thanks Dave. I'll follow the advice. Just one other thing, I was considering using a rotavator to help me turn the soil (and save my back). Do you think this is a bad idea where deep rooted weeds are concerned. Would I be better sticking with the spade.

Also, I'll use the treading technique for the topsoil but should I also do this with the base soil (after turning).

Cheers

 

Problem with using the rotovator is that you will only chop up any perennial weeds not remove them..If your plot is only 35 sq mtes not a problem digging over . Or is your plot 35m x 35m ?
If it were mine I would put the topsoil on the area and then just fork over mixing the old and new together slightly unless your existing soil was clay or very stoney and you needed to cover this by topsoiling ..Then start the treading process.
By using your heels it really does firm the ground .
Dave

 

Great advice DAVE its really helpful.Thanks for this helpful advice,,

 

I think I'll crack-on with turning over maually, removing stone and weeds as I go. Once turned I will wait 4-6 weeks, picking out the weeds as they appear. This will mean turfing early-mid May, plenty of time to enjoy the garden over summer.

Thanks again Dave your comments have been really helpful.

 

A pleasure Mark .
Glad you have the patience to take your time . Ground will be warmed up by May and weeds will not be a problem ..Let use know how you get on later in the year .
Dave