re turfing

Hi can anyone give me some advice to returfing. the lawn is full of weeds, and not level, I was wondering what would happen if I put a good amount of top soil on then new turf. do you think it would work,or do I need to dig it all over first. thank you

 

Mmmm, just putting top soil down and then turfing, will not give you a decent lawn, the weeds will still grow through. Ain't no short cut to a pristine lawn that I know of.

 

If you are looking for a good lawn you must follow the basic rules. Destroy the old lawn and weed problem with a mix of Roundup (glyphosate) and MCPA (for thistles). This spray must have 6 hours dry after application. Wait 7 to 10 days. Relieve compaction by forking to at least 8 inches and then rotovate surface to 3 to 4inches . Rake level and remove trash. Apply a pre-turfing fertiliser, heel, rake and then lay turf remembering to water heavily for at least 2 weeks.

 

Thanks Fran and angusfromturfandstuff I've made a good start. I am making the garden two levels the top about 18 inches higher what would you suggest as a support to hold up the soil from the top level I bought some fencing but dont think this will be strong enough, and I dont really want to use bricks. I was however thinking of putting a rockery along to hold the fencing up do you think this would work? thank you. ps the fencing is a sort of basket weave.

 

That basket weave fencing will rot quite quickly as it it not the most solid of timber if its put back against soil. Me I'd use the more solid timber rolls on a wire - you can use pegs to hold it steady - or just use the rockery.

 

Reclaimed hardwood railway sleepers might be an option