Improving lawn soil quality

TerrysWorld

My lawn soil is mostly clay which is soggy by winter and dry by summer.

I aerate the soil by forking, spiking and have holes 30 mm dia x 300mm deep filled with grit approx 300mm apart to try improve its quality and drainage etc. In the dry periods I use a sprinkler in the evening for an hour or so on the rear lawn. The rear lawn is a play area for the grandchildren and front lawns are not.

I have used chicken pellets sprinkled over the lawn after spiking etc to try help its quality in the Autumn and now.

Are the pellets the best option for the soil I have, not wanting to dig-in/re-lay etc the lawns.

glasgowdan

I'd consider a sump drain to minimise the worst of the puddling, then a few carefully-planned treatments through spring/summer.

fab_io18

I’ve tried sump drains, spent thousands and they didn’t touch My heavy clay lawn. Two years ago I purchased agricultural gypsum and it has been i different story since.... on a lawn approx 140msquare I spread 5 x 25kg bags twice a year and brush it through the canopy... my neighbours even think it’s taking the water away from their lawns!!!!

TerrysWorld

Thanks all,
fab_io18, I've read something of this some time ago and not seen alot of mention of it.

At what time of the year do you apply your gypsum. ?

Greg4

I feel for you, my previous garden had same/similar problems. Thankfully I moved house and now have a free drawing soil.

like you I tried much but it never really helped.

i now have two lovely manicured lawns, and I don’t agree with previous comment, they are great for the wild like and ecology, they help to soak up lots of water, there’s plenty of life in a manicured lawn and they really set of the borders in a garden.

The temperature on a lawn on a hot day is a good few degrees cooler than paved areas too.

Yes lawns are hard work to keep well but it’s second nature for me and a labour of love.

TerrysWorld

I've read conflicting things on the forum of using 'Gypsum'.

Some say only 'Agriculture Gypsum' must be used in the garden/lawn.
And some say it OK to use 'Builders Gypsum'. ??