Improving condition of lawn
artychris
Posts: 60
I have a lawn which is situated two thirds under the canopy of a Large oak so it doesn't get much sun, and the soil is quite sticky and heavy . I do manage to get a reasonable lawn when we get a fairly dry spring and summer, but what can i do to it to improve the quality of it without literally digging it up and replacing with a better top soil.
0
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I know you can get seed for shady areas but to be honest I don't think you ever get good lawn under trees. I think the only thing you can do is to keep it aerated and add a good top dressing to help the drainage. I bet others will be along with some good ideas in a minute.
Lawns under trees can be nice, but they take as others have said, the right type of grass, so in spring, give it a really good scarify, don't be afraid to make it really messy, get some sharp sand and sprinkle it on top and scarify again. Get as much of the sharp sand in as possible, then sow shade grass seed quite thickly and keep it well watered until it establishes. Feed it mid summer lightly and keep an eye on it. You'll know if its doing well by the colour of it. Don't mow till it's about 4 inches tall then cut on a high cut and keep it that way all summer. In the Autumn, spike it every 6 inches and brush in as much sharp sand as you can. The following year, repair any bare patches or thin patches repeating the above. You should have a reasonable result by then.