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[Lincs Robert]

I've been instructed that part of our patio in the back garden is to become grass. We currently have no grass whatsoever & I think it's a good idea- much more (grand) child friendly.

So far I've lifted all the slabs which have to go and cut through several others with an angle grinder - not a job for the faint hearted I can tell you. Concrete immediately beneath slabs has been Kango'd out & im at the top of the hardcore on which the concrete was laid. All in all not a bad result over the long weekend & Im knackered  .

So, my question is - how much depth of new soil do I need under the turf to give it a decent chance of growing? At the moment there is about 4 to 5 inches from the top of what will be the surrounding patio to the top of the hardcore. Given that the turf will be about an inch thick I'm thinking I need to dig out a bit more - but how much?

Thanks - Rob

[Rods2]

I think you need a minimum of 6 inches.

Don't forget when laying: Green side up.

[Lagondanet]

Have you considered artificial turf?

[frostbite]

If you get to choose the rolls make sure you get the greenest ones, I had the last ones off the pallet once and I ended up with a couple of dead rectangles

[Lincs Robert]

Have you considered artificial turf?

Considered, yes, but decided against.

[Lincs Robert]

If you get to choose the rolls make sure you get the greenest ones, I had the last ones off the pallet once and I ended up with a couple of dead rectangles

Thought of that, I'm getting it through a pal who knows someone with a turf farm, so I'm getting it for a very good price. I'll get a bit more than I actually need though.

[redelitev6]

Have you considered artificial turf?

My neighbour has just done his front garden with it , looks ok 

[TD]

Do you know anyone with a grass roller?.....I laid a lawn a few years ago....it needs rolling when you put it down and then every couple of days for a couple of weeks and watering every evening if it doesn't rain for a few weeks as well 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

I know as much about laying turf as I know about laying Pete in a greenhouse. ie nothing. 

[Lagondanet]

Anyone got artificial turf?
Care to share your experience of it

I have a 52sm lawn or should I say weed infested meadow which requires attention. I also have a small dog who owns it.
Advantage is it is relatively flat, square sided and bordered by blocks.

Thanks.

[Marks DTM Calib]

It very much depends what type of soil you have and how well it drains (as you can add a layer of pea gravel below the top soil for poorly draining clay etc.)

Also, pay the extra 50p a m² for the cultivated stuff, your in the ideal part of the world for good prices and quality 

We have a supplier around us who knocks out cultivated good turf for around £2.50 a m² delivered as a guide (locally grown)

[Shackeng]

Also consider putting lawn fertiliser under the turf before laying to encourage root growth.

[Lincs Robert]

It’s been down almost a month now and doing rather well I must say.

It was green side up wasn’t it? 

[STEMO]

I take it you haven’t cut it yet? When you do...gently does it.

[Lincs Robert]

I take it you haven’t cut it yet? When you do...gently does it.

No, but I think it will need doing soon - I’ll have to buy a mower!