crappy lawn, what to do?

[Allyco]

hi gardeners. help please. My lawn is north-facing (I think, never know how to work it out) and it is always damp and sometimes downright wet ie you can pull great big clumps out. It's also full of dandelions etc.

Am sure I read somewhere to stick a fork in it and fill the holes with sand and that would improve the drainage is this right? or does anyone else have any bright ideas short of concreting it over ?

[AuntyQuated]

try having a read here Allyco

[80sMum]

or how about here ?

[hub2dee]

Fork aeration plus sand does work, but it is not a miracle cure.

Possibly new turf without weeds etc. might look good, but if the lawn has a permanent problem, observed over several years, and it's really wet you need land drainage !

Couple of options.

1. Try just to ammend the soil. Trash / remove the turf. Add lots of horticultural grit to improve drainage. Mix well. Also some ground calcified seaweed.
   
   
2. Fix the (lack of) drainage. Trench in the direction of the fall of your lawn (say 1 1/2 ft deep) ? Fill with some gravel / pebbles say 6 - 8 inches. Water will fall into the trench. Trench leads to a soak hole (deep round thing) or drier area of garden. If multiple trenches are needed (depends on area and exactly how wet your land is) they can be herringboned into central conduits etc. etc.
   
   This is an involved subject. Try the experts at www.pavingexpert.com for free, online, illustrated advice !

[AuntyQuated]

we really thought we needed new turf h2d, but greenthumb are MAGIC

[hub2dee]

greenthumb are great for looking after and improving a lawn, but if the lawn is water logged, or if there is a high water table, you're always going to be playing a losing battle, IME.