Laid turf but not used enough soil

GrassyKnoll

I lifted around 60 slabs from my garden and laid turf instead. It's growing pretty well and looks great - ready for its first cut. However, I think I was a bit tight on the top soil. It's definitely a bit lower than the existing lawn that it butts up to. It's also a bit 'bumpy' under foot. I'm not after a perfect bowling green, nor do I mind the bumps and undulations. It's a part of the garden that my girls play on so it's just grass. 

Is this a problem I'm stuck with, or can it be solved through time by adding a series of top dressings to bring it up a level?

I'm probably talking about 3/4 inch at the most, but it is noticeable.

Fran IOM

Does anyone have an answer for @GrassyKnoll ?

KT53

I've raised a major dip in the lawn by repeatedly adding thin(ish) layers of soil and allowing the grass to recover.  If the whole of the area is too low I'm not sure how effective that will be.  One option might be to build up the level adjacent the existing lawn and taper it down to the level of the new one.

raisingirl

KT53 said:

 One option might be to build up the level adjacent the existing lawn and taper it down to the level of the new one.

I think that's what I would do. Wait until the new turf is growing well - maybe next spring when the new growth starts. Then lift a strip of the new where it buts up to the old, put more soil under it and slope it down. Possibly do a second strip if one width would be too steep. Then fill the bumps in the rest over time with lawn sand/compost mix and reseeding if necessary. As long as the 'bump' is gentle enough for the mower to run over it without skinning the rim every time, the change in level will disappear.

GrassyKnoll

Thanks. I think that's my only option. The wife thinks it's fine but I can definitely feel that it's not as nice underfoot as the old bit. 

ZeroZero1

You could simply take the turf up and put more soil down, but may i ask why you are even raising the question if your wife likes it the way it is? Are you newly weds perhaps? 

Fairygirl

I'd agree with KT53 and r'girl. Tapering the two areas in together is probably the easiest solution.
It can be quite tricky to match up two areas like that. The ground will have settled a litle bit where you lifted slabs and laid the turf. Have you a photo to let us see?
You can add some soil and seed in the bumps/hollows to level them a bit, as has been said. You could possibly do them just now depending on your current growing condiitons. I've just done some in my garden. I know how annoying it can be when you feel it isn't as level as you would like!

GrassyKnoll

I'm not so worried about the actual join. I think I've done that bit quite well. See attached photo and hopefully you can see what I mean.