Repairing Lawn

Question: We built a small raised lawn just over 2 years ago, It is Oval in shape, domed in the middle and contained by a brick surround. We filled the surround with top soil and then turfed. Unfortunately is has sunk on one end and now looks terrible. What is the quickest and easiest way to bring one side of the lawn back up to level? I have read your method on stripping back the turf and then raising the level beneath before relaying. As such a big area has sunk, I wondered if there was an easier solution. Would applying top soil on top of the existing lawn where needed and then seeding work? Also, when is the best time to address the problem? Answer: I understand that the method of stripping off the existing turf before refilling seems a daunting task but there is one main problem with the method you suggest. The problem is that the new grassed area, either turfed or seeded, will never match the existing turf either in colour nor in the rate of growth and may end up looking as bad as it is now. To help you can now hire turf strippers which makes the lifting of the turf a lot easier. You can get them from HSS or Wyevale now do them too, click on their name and scroll down to their Hire Station. What you will have to remember is to ensure that the turf never dries out as it will never recover. Having said all that if you can remember the name and supplier of the original turf or grass seed, and you can get your hands on some more then it may be OK. Whichever method you choose follow these steps: • Fill the area to about a quarter full • Walk over the soil with the weight on your heels, take lots of little steps ensuring that every bit of soil is firm • Add to about half full and repeat as above, continue until the area is level and firm • Run a garden rake over the surface to give the new turf or seed something to grab hold of • Lay the turf or the sow the seed as per my lawn pages • Once complete don't walk on the area for two or three weeks The best time to lay turf or sow seed is now and it will have all winter to get established before you need to begin mowing.

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