Mud patch of a lawn

Hi, WE have a land at home which I laid to turf 3 years ago. At the end of my garden is a 300 year old oak tree. Every year the leaves fall on the lawn and now the lawn is nothing but a mud patch. I was wondering what is the best way to aerate the lawn and make the grass actually grow and not get waterlogged. Thanks for any help - this is driving me nuts,

 

You need to spike the ground with an implement that not only pierces the ground but removes a small core of soil. Cover lawn with sharp sand then brush into the holes.

Cheers, Tony.

 

The tree will obviously be putting a great deal of shade on the grass growing beneath. Apart from Tony's advice above the only other suggestion I can give you is to over seed with a grass seed that's produced particularly for shaded areas.

 

If it is fully shaded by the tree you are unlikely to get any grass to grow there at all. Even a shade tolerant grass needs a couple of hours of sunshine a day. If it's not getting any sun, you'd be better off trying plants that prefer woodland shade conditions.
Kris

 

What is the fall of the land like? perhaps a French drain system would help?
Does the area get any sun, as there are grass types which are more tolerant to shade as Kris Lord mentioned, but will still need a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of sun a day.

 

It Is south facing but very shaded. When I laid the lawn (my 1st time) I did not put and sand or any form of drainage in. I am reluctant to dig up the whole lot but I am quite determined to get something to grow. I think it is just a case of somehow adding some form of sand or grit to it. aerating it and then reseeding it. (that sounded too easy)

 

To be honest last years i decided to wait until all the leaves had fallen off and I would then clear the leaves in one go. Unfortunately it then snowed heavily which did most of the initial damage. It makes me want to cry.

 

As would cyclamens, fritillarias, and good old daffs.
Grass is always very tough to keep going under shade, especially if not maintained vigilantly.
There is loads you can do instead though!