new lawn

Hi folks I'm starting from almost solid clay, building the ground up 25cm and topping it with turf.
My questions are what do I use to build up the ground and how do I avoid subsidence.
Thanks Keith

 

I'm not sure you can avoid it settling ... the pond that I filled in has sunk nearly a foot in 18 months ... I'm going to lift the turf in a week or two, add 12" of soil, , and chuck the turf back down again!!

When I prepare a law I tread down the soil: wellies on, left foot down, right foot half-a-step forwards (the boot fits into the shape of the other boot, IYSWIM), then take half a step forwards (that boot then fits the shape of the other one, natch!), and keep on half-a-step-at-a-time. It does compress the soil pretty firmly.

 

Thanks kristen I was also wondering whether I should put weed killer on first?
Thanks Keith

 

Hi Keith we have just laid a lawn 3 weeks ago, We used a wacker first then top soil and ive just gave it its first cut...Hope this helps..