[evilgenius]

I have a problem with a piece of garden thats really annoying me. The grass no matter what I do wont grow. Would any budding gardeners look at a few pics i took to ascertain why im having this problem?

Ill post them up if someone knows a bit about this lark!

[SG-22]

put them up some one is bound to know

[Iccz]

Put the pictures up and if possible can you describe the type of soil in your area?


If it's for example clay you may need a couple of inches of good top soil for the roots to develop.

[Achy]

Is it a small patch of grass ?
We had a large piece of scaffold plank under the turf in our garden, and whilst green in winter/autmn it soon died when the rain stopped, might be work driving a cane/stick into the area see if there are any obstructions.

Have you got dogs ?
The 'females' have a tendancy of turning patches of grass brown.

Ever put weed killer down? Some weed killers will destroy the soil for anything to grow in it for AGES !

Let see some pics.

[evilgenius]

okay heres the images. The `soil` looks dry and clay like. I golden retriever but he don't use the garden as a toilet as we have a huge forest just across the road.

[Jenn]

Looks like it's just under the trees that it struggles to grow.

So I would guess either there isn't enough water getting to it or maybe the trees have sap going onto the soil/grass and causing problems?

Not an expert as you can see, just guessing.

[Iccz]

I'm no expert but it looks to me like you're gonna need to dig that up, work some peat into it really loosen the soil up before spreading the seeds as it looks very dry and compact.

Possibly go to a local garden centre and ask for advice on best types of seed for the area and any methods that might be best.

Also I notice a building and trees near?
How much time does that area spend shaded?

[evilgenius]

well the sun does hit this area in the evening.. Its called SummerHill where i live :P. So you guys reckon a pile of peat and a dig up? Digging it will be hard, cos of all the tree roots.

[Iccz]

you just need to loosen that soil up before any grass will grow, even if its just an inch or so, work some peat into it, how deep are the roots?
Might be an idea to see if there are shade tolerent seeds in your local garden center, also they might be able to recommend a brand that will work with the soil type etc as the general area will have the same soil all around.
It's also looking dry, as mentioned probably due to the trees.

i've only done a little bit with grass but i found loosening the soil and working in a bit of peat gave successful resuts as we have a really horrible clay soil round here, but im not really an expert, just going by what problems I had. I hope it helps somewhat.

[Greybeard]

I think you might be struggling no matter what you do because the trees are sucking up all the moisture. I suspect the roots will be just beneath the surface and even if you do loosen all the soil,add peat and sand, the results will only be temporary. You could always plant that area with some woodland plants ferns and the like and when they get established will be maintenance free.

[evilgenius]

okay the trees suck up all moisture. What i added a spinker to that area with a timer for all year round wetness, would that make any difference?

[johntheexpat]

The tree looks as tho' its a leylandii or relation. That is the problem, rather than the soil.
I seem to recall that its more to do with the leaves etc poisoning the soil. (Too acidic or something?) -

Buy a chainsaw.

Regards

Johntheexpat, fully paid up member of the 'I hate leylandii and all trees like it' association

Chop chop.

[Iccz]

I dont think that a tree is a major issue for the grass getting water, only in the growing stages, plenty of places have trees growing in grass and the grass is fine?

I personally dont see it being a major issue? :o


above post seems more likely to be correct

[evilgenius]

Originally Posted by johntheexpat

The tree looks as tho' its a leylandii or relation. That is the problem, rather than the soil.
I seem to recall that its more to do with the leaves etc poisoning the soil. (Too acidic or something?) -

Buy a chainsaw.

Regards

Johntheexpat, fully paid up member of the 'I hate leylandii and all trees like it' association

Chop chop.

crap i fear your correct. The trees in my garden are fully matured and as tall as a house. Plus theyre growing right beside my new wall so cutting them down will cost ££££ and it would probably ruin my wall.

[evilgenius]

Are these the trees you name?

[la gran siete]

As a gardener myself I can tell you that grass will only grow as well as conditions allow. It needs plenty of light, water ,soil fertility and reasonable drainage.Trees suck a lot of goodness out of soil and take a lot of light as well. I would look to getting those trees removed otherwise look at alternatives ie plants that will tolerate those conditions better.Establish soil type( ie clay sandy ,loamy) how much light is available during the day and how dry it is especially in the summer.You could also look at gravelling the whole area, place some rocks here and there and the odd small shrub or ornamental grass where its best.
Paresonally i would get rid of the trees as they look so ugly

[DVD-Man]

perhaps not relevant but does the patch get traffic from people walking over it?

In it's infancy grass will never grow if it's trodden on all the time, obvious yes I know but another point to add.

Liam

[Bobdk]

It is obvious the huge, ugly trees are killing off the grass. If you took a walk through a pine forest you would see the same - no grass. They are your problem.

[emo72]

and me too,jumping in with the same answer.

the trees must go.

eventually they will destroy your wall.

i am speaking from experience, i had about 20 of those fully mature buggaz
in my garden and nothing would grow.

i tried all things first,enriched the soil, cut back the branches tight,bought shade loving plants and grass, watered the grass every evening.

THE TREES THRIVED.... everything else died

So make a choice keep the trees and have nothing growing near them

or cut the trees down to ground level,i left the stumps to rot away naturally,
and get nice plants and then have a nice garden

good luck mate

[evilgenius]

Damn!

How much would it cost to fell said trees, roughly speaking? See I like the trees becasue of the privacy they give...but I suppose i could plant something else.

[la gran siete]

Originally Posted by evilgenius

Damn!

How much would it cost to fell said trees, roughly speaking? See I like the trees becasue of the privacy they give...but I suppose i could plant something else.

well if you like the trees than i would suggest paving the area or gravelling it or decking is quite nice and then maybe sticking a few plants here and there.Other than that get some quotes for tree surgeons

[lockers]

From your first pictures, the grass on the other side of the trees would appear to be growing very well.

How do the conditions vary between the two sides to make such a difference?

Perhaps if you can pinpoint that you might be able to provide the necessary solution to help the grass grow more successfully....just a thought.

[evilgenius]

yeah i see, probably more light tbh.

[Jenn]

Personally I wouldn't cut the trees down unless they shade the garden and the house from any sun because I'd like the privacy.

I'd do like LGS said and build some decking or something.