Grass - how deep soil ?

theBadCormorant

I'm digging up some of my driveway, (see attached image)  and evrything to the right of the driveway will be grass (the trellis is going)  

The hardcore under the drive is deep (18" so far and can't see the bottom)  how much should I remove before back-filling with earth and then planting grass ?

The soil I will be using has a fair bit turf in in it - do I need to seperate this or should I just put it in upside down ?  how far from the surface should the upside -down turf be ?

Fairygirl

You don;t need a huge amount of depth for grass - I'd reckon about 6 to 8 inches is more than adequate. As long as it isn't rock solid and allows drainage, it should be fine.
 
I'd take as much of the grass off the turf as possible, then put it in face down so that you have a couple of inches of space above it. Then put topsoil on to bring up the level to where you need it.
The overall depth you dig out and fill is determined by whether you're turfing or sowing seed. 

theBadCormorant

what is about the latest I can seed it for grass, I would like it to look green for the winter but feel I'm starting to run out of time. As you can see I have a bit to go (been distracted with real life)

Fairygirl

Too late here, but if it's warm enough where you are, you could get away with it, as long as the site's ready within the next week or so. It's also possible to protect the ground when it's a smallish area, so you could consider that. A few canes with some clear polythene does the job, but remember you also need moisture for it to get going. 

Otherwise, wait until spring. It's always a bit frustrating when you can see the finishing line, but you know you're not quite there yet....

glasgowdan

It's great for seed in most areas just now. I do lawn renovations near Glasgow now and they take really well. 

Make sure you break up the sub base well, right through to the soil below so the drainage is normal. 

Loxley

You've done a good job there, it looks much better with the curve, well worth the effort.

theBadCormorant

had a couple of big days at it and getting close to the finish line.  other things getting in the way today but seed could be in by the morrow night

Fairygirl

What's going in the wee edging area @theBadCormorant?
Looks likes a spot for a rill 

theBadCormorant

Gravel - it is to carry on the theme of what I done when I cut a curve into the patio, it sort of accentuates the effect of the curve.

I originally created it for the patio as a drainage channel for the rain to run into rather than pool at the edge of the grass - but we like the look of it and decided to carry the effect round the driveway (even though the water on the drive runs the other way)

It is a lot of extra effort so I hope it looks OK - lol

Fairygirl

Very smart @theBadCormorant

A lot of hard work right enough.