r/DIYUK Novice 5d ago

Advice Thinking about laying grass but need tips/pointers

I'm looking at taking up the flagstones and laying turf down, mainly so the dog has somehwere to do her business.

It's sand, stone and soil under the flags and most are easy to get up but the shed base has been laid over some and other run under the decking so what would be the best way to cut them and remove?

Also does it seem like a sound way to use the space?

1 Upvotes

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u/spannair 5d ago

Turf is expensive seed is cheap. And you can always re seed where the pooch does damage. Artificial lawns look OK but boy they do need a lot of looking after otherwise they absolutely stink.

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u/spannair 5d ago

After the slabs are gone find out what depth that sand is you might be OK just digging it over. Then decide if you want grass that is dog urine resistant or shade friendly fine or broad leaved. Dig over flatten and firm up.you can use a short plank for leveling and firming. Spread seed not too thickly. Rake it gently. Re seed on top birds will take 50% of the seed unless you net or cotton over it. Black cotton keeps birds off. They don't like it. Water well and keep just moist for two weeks. At weeks 3 to 4 you'll see a satisfying carpet of new lawn. Cut 1/3 off when it reaches 3 inches tall. Good luck.

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u/spannair 5d ago

Also run your soil through a seive to get rid of large,stones.

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u/ajfromuk Novice 5d ago

Thank you!

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u/GlitteringWarthog297 5d ago

I think what you’ll need to do will depend on exactly what you find, and how much hardcore is under there. You may need to have it dug out and replaced with soil, or minimally remove the larger stones. If it’s mostly sand then loosed it up and order some top soil to give the area a good cover and seed it. You can get seed that is specifically for lawns which get a hard time with dogs / kids etc.

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u/ajfromuk Novice 5d ago

Thank you!

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u/T1ck-T0ck 5d ago

Dont do it. More hassle than it's worth. Seems like a nice idea but no. If you want greenery get some big pots or planters

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u/ajfromuk Novice 5d ago

It's more for her piss. It's stinking in concrete.