New home, trying to lay turf but….

Hi.

so, I’m having a bit of a nightmare. I moved house in November and the place I moved to had covered half the garden in pebbles. My plan was to remove the pebbles and lay grass.

I’ve removed the pebbles (which was pretty back-breaking), borrowed a cultivator and now I find that under about half of what I thought was compacted sand and soil is concrete !‍♀️

is there any way I can rescue this? My next step was, after cultivating, to buy in some top soil. Can I still go for a lawn if maybe I buy in extra top soil?

I would really appreciate any advice. I’m trying to do it but by bit on my own and can’t afford to get a proper gardener in.

Thanks so much
Sue

 

More than a little heretical, but why not consider shrubs, perennials and bulbs rather than grass. There is no more work involved, they are more interesting and fun than grass. Or is there a good reason for wanting grass.

 

Hi Nigel

just that I wanted grass! My plan was to put bulbs etc down the sides then make some raised beds for the patio area

 

The problem is that when people put this kind of thing into action anything goes regarding filling up the base, its doesn't look like solid concrete, more the sand and dry mix that might have been put under the gravel/slabs.
If you want grass I think you need to remove and then add top soil, not a cheap option.

 

I suspect that its not actually concrete but something known as Mot sub base type 1 ,a mixture of fractured limestone and limestone fines. It packs down tight and supports paving etc.The question is 'how thick is it? and whats underneath it ?
Time to dig a hole in a couple of places just to see.
Its variably porous so could perhaps support beds and even a lawn by building up rather than excavating it all out but drainage may become an issue as might the relatative height relating to the house. You will not wish to flood ! But it could be done ,subject to survey .
Like @pete above, the knowledge that its a new build causes certain recognition that whatever was left over will likely have been levelled and the stones laid with little concern that you might want to grow upon it !
Dig the holes and report back.

 

There is always artificial grass. A friend with bad health problems bought very expensive stuff and it almost looks like the real thing.