[sleaver]

Moved into a new build last year and the grass was just laid on top of what was there by the builders so it's never been in great condition. There are also three big trees that aren't helping, one being a Ewe that doesn't let the grass grow under it. When the leaves fell if I didn't clear them straight, so that didn't help matters either.

Now I understand that this is the best time of year to sow grass seed so is there anything I should be thinking of? I need to rack it to get a few leaves up and anything else in there but will that also act as airrating as it will scrape the soil? Then grass seed, I need something that is good in shade and the ground can stay wet so are there any makes I should use?

Then I assume it's keeping it watered.

Thanks

[Anotherlimey]

LGS where be here to help you soon im sure

[Geege]

Grass is always going to struggle to grow and establish a good root system under a large established tree, especially if there is lots of leaf cover. If you wish to keep the tree, have you considered pruning it some to allow more light get to the ground?

You need to prepare well for sowing seed, this involves breaking up any clogs of soil with a fork and allowing air to get deeper down into the soil. What type of soil have you got? Loaf, Clay? Get to know your soil and how compacted it gets. If it is compacted and gets wet and stays wet in winter, this means it may have a large clay content, which incorporating organic matter will help to improve drainage.

Once you are happy with the ground and ready to sow, firm the ground by walking on it to even it out of any lumps and low laying areas. A rake help to level it out. You can always put some topsoil (medium soil with lots of fine grit or sand) on to provide a good base for the grass seed. Rake this to a fine bed. You can now consider applying a pre-sowing fertiliser to promote root growth. Then sow the seed evenly.

For a shady lawn consider a mixture with perhaps Lesser Timothy with Velvet Bent grass, or maybe a dwarf Perennial Ryegrass.

It will take about 2-3 weeks for germination and try not to walk on it, keep it watered but not too wet or it will rot. The first mow should only trim the very top. Perhaps about 1 & 1/4 inch tall for the first cut. Also look out for early signs of diseases (yellowing is a sign, brown patches etc...) and keep moss at bay.

[la gran siete]

As has been pontedout abopve soli preparation is essential for a decent lawn.Grit will help improve the texture if the soil is mostly clay whilst organic matter will improve the structure .In both cases drainage will also be improved.
Most grasses require full sun but some, as mentioned ,will tolerate an element os shade , for eg a north facing lawn. A tree though, with a large canopy that producess a deep shade is not ideal and grass will struggle- most likely the grass will be replaced by moss or "Mind your own Business" weed.If so think of other alternatives like shrubs /groundcover growing round the base or gravel.

[loz]

I can recommend Lawn Master - Welcome to Lawn Master
They did a lovely job improving our lawns.
And come once a quarter for a 'maintenance' visit as part of our yearly plan

Not as expensive as it sounds....

[shodan]

Originally Posted by loz

I can recommend Lawn Master - Welcome to Lawn Master
They did a lovely job improving our lawns.
And come once a quarter for a 'maintenance' visit as part of our yearly plan

Not as expensive as it sounds....

Unfortunately their office is 270 miles away from me but they certainly do seem to know what they are going on about!

[loz]

Originally Posted by shodan

Unfortunately their office is 270 miles away from me but they certainly do seem to know what they are going on about!

They are 234 miles from me too, according to google.... I am in the Thames Valley.

However, you are probably just looking at their head office, whereas they cover the whole country.
(I understand it is a franchise http://www.lawntreatmentfranchise.co.uk/)

[shodan]

Oohh, maybe I'll give them a call then... Nice one, thanks!

[RayM59]

Originally Posted by sleaver

Moved into a new build last year and the grass was just laid on top of what was there by the builders so it's never been in great condition. There are also three big trees that aren't helping, one being a Ewe that doesn't let the grass grow under it.

Maybe that is your problem, a EWE is a sheep and it's "eating" your grass!!

A YEW is the tree in question!!

I'm sorry my friend but you understand I just had to do it, I couldn't resist!!

[Wild Weasel]

YOU what?