Clay Soil Lawn Improvements - Gypsum & Compost

[@LawnRight]

Horticultural Gypsum: amzn.to/41faXAK Manual aerator: amzn.to/43qniE7

[@ricoproia328]

Glad to hear you knowing that gypsum is the best thing that breaks down clay. Thank you.

[@outrospection4all]

Clever man - now the only other issue is the sand, concrete bits and gravel the builders pile at the back of new build, eventually end up beneath plants and lawn...

[@LawnRight]

Its so frustrating seeing it time and time again

[@atifmanzoor63]

My property is newish and 7 inches below surface builders left these boulders

[@mnchnn]

We found a large water jug flattened and buried in the lawn 😢

[@Scott-lz2nd]

Fantastic video, thank you. Been really struggling with the clay soil in our back garden, have aerated, dressed and seeded 3 times in 18 months but always ended up with bald patches.

[@LawnRight]

No worries.. Keep up with gypsum every few months.. It'll take a while

[@TheDroneDad]

I have a new build. 2 acres. But have a line where our downspouts and septic system drain field all merge. Lots of clay. This video really gave me the knowledge of what to do to gradually get it to drain and absorb water better than it currently is. Thanks! Great video!

[@LawnRight]

Good luck with it 😊👍

[@janismartinpoet2815]

I literally have a pocket handkerchief sized area of grass growing on clay, plus being north facing. Your video has been both informative and encouraging. Thank you

[@qreste1]

This is a perfect video for the problem I am having! I always wondered if I could just spread compost on the grass. I am really trying to fix my clay soil. The hardest part for me is s the clay soil with grass in top. I am going to try this twice a year. Its also super important for our environment, restoring soil that has been turned into clay by big machinery (as it is done where I live).

[@notdavea5778]

This has been useful. We are in a new home and tried to plant some trees this weekend. The 1 foot hole filed with water and the turf that had been laid last august was boggy and pooling with water where we stood. There is a chance the developer is going to drill holes in the lawn and back fill with gravel. This means the water will have somewhere to go, but the hard layer of clay is only 1 foot deep. We will need solutions like yours if the lawn is to survive and is useable. We don’t want the grass or trees and shrubs suffocating/drowning. continuous work on the soil that will have trees and shrubs will also be needed, but videos like yours will help us on the way. Thank you for posting.

[@LawnRight]

Thank you so much! Please keep following as I'm, going to be producing some stuff that will help more soon

[@notdavea5778]

@@LawnRight we have been lucky the developers are putting in French drains. We will still keep watching. Gets some wildlife in the garden and worm in the soil!

[@OG-dp1kx]

You can, 1) test the clay soil for its ph level and reduce acidity if required 2) do very deep scarification, 3)add top soil and compost on top of the clay, 4)then add grass seeds specifically tolerant of clay soil/waterlogging/drought. The grass should thrive

[@lorraine.-.]

Great video! Another saved for reference. I just looked up gypsum to see if it is pet friendly & it also helps with urine damage & odours… bonus!!! Thanks for these videos, I’ve searched for years on how to fix a damaged new build clay lawn (previous owners wrecked it) & your videos are the first to show real solutions & they’re budget friendly! I know it’ll never be perfect as I have dogs but the boggy swamp in winter & the bald desert land in summer is fixable with your solutions. Lifesaver!

[@LawnRight]

Here to help! 😊😊 keep me posted!

[@lorraine.-.]

@@LawnRight it’ll take a while but as soon as I see change I definitely will!

[@hgt1001]

Thanks for the advice once again, Shaun. I spent 9 hours on my clayey 80 sq m lawn last Sunday. Mowed, raked out thatch, hollow-tine aerated with the Swardman hand tool, applied Envii Active Lawn (which is meant to improve slow draining soil) and finally Field Compost No 4 all over using a lawn lute. Didn't use gypsum but I hope that the other work will start to show benefits.

[@LawnRight]

Hi..I've not looked at the Envii product but sounds like it's working on fungi and bacteria which is a good way to go. Looking forward to hearing of your results in a few weeks!!

[@daveraatz1328]

Good job! New owners in New developments need to watch.

[@LawnRight]

👍👍

[@beaulieuc8910]

great. I have soil erosion due to heavy rain. I have aerated it and put some compost on it. I want do things organically.

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Great video. Been awhile since I have stopped by, trying to keep caught up with everyone! Good to see you again!

[@LawnRight]

Thanks! You too! Keep up the good work

[@nigeltrivass4128]

great video, informative and straightforward - thank you

[@LawnRight]

Many thanks 😊👍

[@mariaDC63]

Great video learnt a lot will speak to my lawn guy re how we go forward with my 3 yr old lawn 🙂👍🏼

[@davidbanner9001]

I have used several field compost products over the past couple of years. Not just for the lawn and all are of excellent quality. Highly recommended.

[@LawnRight]

😊😊

[@Vision2UK]

We have a new build, south facing so with your back to the house we have a brick wall down left, brick wall 80% on the south back side then fencing rest of the back, 2 panels on right then our garage on the right. Has a slight fall to the rear (south) but the water doesn't have anywhere to go so tends to pool outside of summer causing some die off on the grass, poa kicks in and we have been treating leatherjackets twice a year for past few years. With the brick wall we can't run a french drain to the other side which is some nice red robins. What we're finding is the water stagnates in some areas and doesn't pool down to the bottom as if it's not running down to there, it's more boggy the further down you go though. Mixed a load of claybreaker big 10kg tubs a couple times, compost, tiled and reseeded. The soil when dry forms a hard crust. We get really nice grass but the winter rain batters it with the pooling problem / squishy in some places / hard in others. Any ideas for diy drainage? I've tried drilling holes with a auger bit which is 20" or so long, can only get down about 6 inches, i'm not hitting concrete I don't think but I think the sub soil is acting like a concrete slab so the water in the garden can only take the 120sqm of whatever soil is on top of it.

[@LawnRight]

Hi as long as you're not hitting any pipes or cables try a post hole borer and go down a couple of feet.. bottom section pebbles then a sprinkle of gypsum, and then fill with a bit of compost and soil before seeding.. other than that you may need to get an excavator in to dig out.

[@Vision2UK]

@@LawnRight ouch, they are about £150. The drill auger bit just doesn't bite. Can see there are manual borers but I'd imagine that won't be any better than the auger for drill? Were on a old clay mine here so not sure how far we can really go before making holes for water to penetrate into and away

[@Vision2UK]

@@LawnRight there is no pipes or any electrics anywhere on our garden. Only pipes near is at the top for water run off on patio/house wall (2 or so brick higher than the south) or on other side of the wall

[@North_side_cargo]

Brilliant video, very informative. Thank you 🙏

[@LawnRight]

My pleasure!

[@damianmclernon6064]

Another very informative video Shaun. Thank you.

[@LawnRight]

Thanks!

[@mattamos193]

Great tips thanks you might be my saviour! I was going to start from scratch and returf myself as i have done before. At least i know its done well! But.. maybe i should attempt this first and wait a few years to see some progress with the soil quality. Ill be subscribing!

[@mattamos193]

Whilst I'm here I have discovered (from digging a border) that the horrendous clay heavy "top soil" with the largest quotation marks ever, contain A LOT of small stones. When I've turfed previously the no.1 rule is remove the stones! But obviously this isn't done on newbuilds. So my question, I go about improving the quality of soil with drainage and adding nutrients..but will this effort be counteracted by these stones under the turf interfering with the roots or will they work around it..? Thanks!

[@LawnRight]

Definitely worth. shot.. even just aerating and topdressing with compost makes a difference

[@LawnRight]

it depends how many stones really, a few stones won't cause too much of an issue but the more there are, the more they can heat up and zap any moisture

[@horstborst]

cute the little towel garden

[@gaylefulton9085]

I put holes in lawn last summer and broke up soil by hand and then planted grass seed. It looked ok for awhile but now it's all compacted again. I want to till area to break up soil again but I need to fix soil. Will gynsum and compost help before I put new grass seed down. We have clay soil. I live in Kennesaw ga.

[@LawnRight]

Hi yes absolutely great soil amendments to work into the soil to improve drainage 😊😊👍👍

[@matty63209]

I have a massive problem with worm casts on my lawn in the Auntumn/Winter. I always top dress my lawn with compost once a year in Spring - is this what's causing the worm casts?

[@LawnRight]

Hi as you improve the soil quality worms will be attracted to it. It is a sign of good soil but I do agree it's unsightly.. They can be hand removes, blown off or try one of the many claimed worm cast suppressants

[@garethparry6673]

Didn’t you see that lawn last year? If I remember it looked impossible to grow gras there. Hats off to you 👋👋👋

[@LawnRight]

Not this one but does look similar. Trouble with new builds all so similar...

[@garethparry6673]

@@LawnRight very true, waste bricks, concrete etc. still you do some great vids and lawns👋👋

[@davidlittle7182]

I love this channel and I don't even have a lawn anymore

[@LawnRight]

I dont know whether to laugh pr cry but thank you for the very kind words!!

[@Hippyme]

Just what I needed to see for my lawn. Thank you so much

[@LawnRight]

Thanks

[@Robert-p9k9o]

Well done sean

[@arinb12]

Can I use agricultural gypsum, the powder stuff as opposed to the pellets

[@LawnRight]

Yep definitely

[@thedj5914]

11:36 😂😂 nearly a black eye there !!

[@LawnRight]

😊... I did just that 20 years ago.. right in the eye socket.. 😁

[@lloydbovensiepen5773]

Morning, can you apply gypsum at the same time as overseeding?

[@LawnRight]

Hi yes you can 👍😊

[@barriespencer6336]

Brilliant information thanks

[@LawnRight]

So nice of you

[@c849243]

New builds are the same here in Virginia. Good vid, Shaun!

[@LawnRight]

😣😣 cheers big bear! Such a shame..

[@lorraine.-.]

I need to fix the level of my “lawn” as it has huge mounds & dips in the soil, I was going to dig & level but that’ll leave a huge muddy mess & with dogs that’s a nightmare so I’m thinking of building it up over time to the highest level. My reasoning is that all the extra nutritious soil can only be a good thing.

[@LawnRight]

Sounds like the perfect answer .. thin layers in the dips that dont smother the grass will add say a cm or so every few weeks 😊😊

[@sirgurky]

Love the video, my lawn was a little clay when we moved in and with Aeration and some compost last year it now doesn't bog anywhere near as much as it used to even in heavy rain! Thaks for mentioning you use any compost really as I need to do more and the Field#4 stuff looks awesome but for me the cost vs size of garden isn't ideal but I will go and look for some decent quality compost.

[@LawnRight]

Thank you so much thats AMAZING feedback!

[@sirgurky]

@@LawnRight I used to have a major issue with clover (A little only this year) A video on some good weeding and cleaning out weeds would be pretty awesome! Thanks for getting me in to lawn care and learning a lot.

[@tommoxerrey5522]

Nice informative video

[@LawnRight]

Thanks

[@robtipple5489]

What time of year is best to seed and top dress after aerate and scarify please ? I was thinking next month .

[@LawnRight]

Hi Rob spring or autumn are the best.. I'd be doing it ASAP as fo rme personally mid October is a personal cut off time

[@robtipple5489]

@@LawnRight Hi Shaun .. Many thanks for the reply and feedback . Great channel btw 👌

[@ErossaanBooming]

when do you apply the gips? wet ? dry? what season? temperature?

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. On a dry day when the grass is growing so spring to autumn

[@markicoyle]

Brilliant video , just great 👍👍 Planning on renovating my lawn this spring , my side garden gets very very wet,loor drainage .i am planning on doing some more drainage but just wondering if there is grass seed available for wet gardens ??? Thanks 👍

[@LawnRight]

Hi no matter what anyone says, if a lawn is sat in water for long periods, the roots wil rot and cause die back.. drainage is definitely a key thing to sort out. That said any hard weraing seed will be useful, something with a bit of tall fescue in possibly

[@zig254]

I’ve got a clay soil lawn. It’s very uneven and full of bare patches. I’ve been doing my research the last week trying to find out what’s best to level it, and fix the bare spots. Any tips would be appreciated. Live northwest United States so we get lots of rain during the cold months, and all the grass dies in the summer/fall months

[@LawnRight]

Hi screened topsoil for levelling.. use a deep rooting seed to tolerate the weather patterns.. scarify, seed then cover with a thin layer of soil or multipurpose compost

[@cstanleyhns]

Great video with sensible solutions for an amateur gardener 👍

[@LawnRight]

Many thanks!

[@vashon100]

7:40 I use an under the leg throwing technique.

[@nathanlawrence8921]

The clay you show looks nothing like mine its pure clay after 6 inches, will i have any chance without doing a full soakaway

[@LawnRight]

Hi nothing will ever replace proper drainage but you can slowly make small improvements over time with this approach

[@stevewestwood4832]

Another brilliant video mate. I’ve done all the things you recommend for my clay lawn , scarified, hollow tine aerated, top dressed , I even bought a load of extra earth worms but now meadow ants have taken over my lawn. I’m devastated. Any suggestions ?

[@LawnRight]

Hi this video will help kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2jPiIxsq66KpLM. Diotonateous earth and the ant gone seem to do a decent job but there will be many many more under the soil so just persevere.. Brush or rake to disperse the mounds daily.. Can even use a hosepipe jet

[@stevewestwood4832]

@@LawnRight thanks a lot for your speedy reply 🙏

[@peytonpeltier]

Thank you for posting! Do you suggest using sand as well? My soil is hard compacted clay, and I have heard suggestions of coarse sand, lava sand, and Texas Greensand.

[@peytonpeltier]

also for st augustine grass, would you just skip the seed step?

[@LawnRight]

Hi for me personally I wouldn't go all sand. Sandy soil/earth yes absolutely. But for me mainly it's bsout getting some organic compost in there

[@LawnRight]

Mostly yes but depends how fast you want it to thicken up again, through normal scarifying tll fill in any gaps over time

[@jahdieljohnson9425]

Thanks for this informative video! When is teh best time of the year to do this?

[@LawnRight]

Hi any time is fine although ground needs a little moisture in it beforehand so it's not bone dry and hard to penetrate

[@jahdieljohnson9425]

@@LawnRight Thanks again. Much appreciated 👍🏾

[@cplcummins]

I have a very bad lawn that floods every year with 1 day of irish rain. I'm hoping an aerator will be step 1 in recovery..

[@LawnRight]

It'll help but sprinkle some gypsum on as well.. Every few months

[@Erectmygreenhouse]

Can't wait to see the results

[@LawnRight]

👍

[@minikarter]

Great video. I've got a 40mm diameter garden auger that slots into an electric drill, whilst it will be a lot more effort at the aeration stage, it can go a foot deep and makes a larger hole which I figure would make a greater impact on drainage. Would you agree or would there not be much benefit and would it potentially cause too much damage?

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. Larger and deeper is definitely better with clay soil.. Just watch out for pipes or cables

[@nigelharvey3676]

Brilliant video very informative I’d like to ask a question after you top dress it would you consider putting liquid seaweed on 👍👍

[@LawnRight]

Yes, absolutely

[@arinb12]

Whats your advice on a heavy clay sub base? Been so compacted water just sat on it. Ive now turned it and tilled it, should i add anything to it? Such as sand, mulch, gypsum. Ive been advised to pigeon step then rake level, then topsoil it before laying lawn. Would you roller the subbase or would that be too much compaction and give the same issues again?

[@LawnRight]

Hi I'd 100% add in some multipurpose compost and a little gypsum all tilled in. While eyoureta this stage you might consider using a post hole borer to create several holes say every couple of metres, that are a good 2 to 3 feet deep.. Fill the bottom third with pebbles an sthe rets with good soil. This helps. The pigeon steps etc are all good

[@arinb12]

@LawnRight just a simple multipurpose compost as opposed to something like bark fines? Thanks!

[@paulinebrandt6767]

This was really informative - I have grass on top of clay soil - 5 year old new build. Grass is straggly - some areas waterlogged but starting to dry out. I've noticed some wild grass clupms have crept in - how best to deal with that? Thanks!

[@LawnRight]

Hi Pauline, best to dig those out with all the roots, fresh soil in the reseed.. It's a pain and can come back 😔

[@paulinebrandt6767]

Thanks - a friend suggested ‘hey - don’t fight it!’…but I’ll try your tip for starters 😊!

[@andrewarnst9673]

Great advice how do you control crab grass in fairly large patches

[@LawnRight]

if you're in the uk we don't legally have any chemical control so regular verticutting will help weaken it

[@andrewarnst9673]

Hi I live in the Highlands John ogroats to be exact the lawn I put down two years ago was beautiful but this year it looks awful crab grass meadow grass weeds we haven't had any summer yet all it's done is rain from winter till now I've only been able to cut the grass twice since begging of spring I'll try what you suggested thank you

[@darrellmann7468]

Watched 2 videos now fantastic keep it up 😊

[@LawnRight]

Thank you so much 😀

[@paolabryce9838]

thanks for your helpful video. I have completely waterlogged heavy clay lawn front and back. If I were to use a plugger and aerator tool and literally use a funnel to put a mixture of humic acid, gypsum and compost deep into the holes do you think this would be ok and let the water disperse? Thanks for any advice

[@LawnRight]

Yes all good.. Topsoil too for the top 8 to 10 inches

[@ibrahimk2343]

Hi, Can I ask two questions 1, would filling the holes with 70/30 top dressing + gypsum be better for the drainage in the long term? 2, I know you don't cover east mids Leicester area - who would you recommend? Thanks in advance

[@LawnRight]

Hi I'm afraid I don't know anyone in the area right now sorry. Yes it's not a bad idea at all. Changing clay to something more workable whether 70/30 or regular soil is my mind an improvement and yes to the gypsum

[@ibrahimk2343]

@@LawnRight Thank you so much for the reply :) and keep up the good videos - they have helped me so much with my own lawn

[@SebastianZiolkowski]

Hi Shaun. Love the videos and always very interesting. I have a lawn with Drainage issues. What are your thoughts on using a post auger at numerous spots all over the lawn to drill out holds about 24-20 inches deep. Fill with drainage gravel up to about 6-8 inches below surface and then topping with original tuft? I will be doing a full scarify and oversee after this also. Hope to hear from you. I may also get a bag of gypsum and apply at overseeing time too?

[@LawnRight]

Absolutely spot on.. I've mentioned before in comments a customer of mine did this with a 2 foot borer and it's made a huge difference .. I'd gravel maybe the bottom half then the top half amix of some compost and soil.. a sprinkling of gypsum down the hole will def help too!

[@SebastianZiolkowski]

@@LawnRight Thanks a million Shaun

[@thomascoyne157]

👍👍what’s the best way to deal with mossy edges in a shaded area, would it be better to make the border larger cheers 👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@LawnRight]

Hi yes it would but if you are happy to do a bit of overseeding each spring you can keep the lawn as is. I have a video on just this kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4iUq3yCl952jrM you'll see me raking the moss out halfway through video 11 or 12 minutes in

[@stephenbrown9400]

Found your content as our kawn is destroyed by excess water and walking backawds and forwards. A previous video with drilling with an auger seems a good idea to inprove drainage. Would you comment on a loam type dressing?

[@LawnRight]

Sorry to hear that.. Yes loamy will be fine as a topdressing

[@elliesherrin3565]

Did you use granular or powder gypsum as link has powder but looked granular in video. What wetting agent do you use please. Fab video for newbies thanks

[@LawnRight]

Hi I used granular but any is fine. I use emerald green lawnright.co.uk/shop which is my own product thanks

[@stevenoram4039]

Hi great stuff as usual👍 should yo scalp your lawn before reseeding and scarifying?

[@LawnRight]

Hi it makes sense as you would then be "not" mowing for a few weeks. You dont need a total scalp to ground surface but very short is perfect thanks

[@dpukkz_bbq]

My gypsum has come as a fine powder, rather than what appears to be granulated in your video. Any tips on the best way to apply this to the lawn?

[@LawnRight]

Hi really a small spreader would be handy and applied on a dry non windy day. You may be able to premix with water first but check the instructions for the produxt

[@MrJonathanPL]

Great video! Is compost better for clay than top soil?

[@LawnRight]

Hi the main point is to break up the clay somewhat. Compost will help with that

[@davidjohnson7213]

New build, the state of the mortar in those bricks on the garden soil.

[@simonmoss4427]

Hi Shaun, would you ever apply sand improve drainage after aeration or only gypsum. Are there any advantages or disadvantages of using sand with the compost?

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. For me gypsum and organic matter is way better.. You'd need to till in sand at a huge ratio for anything meaningful

[@Ralphonso27]

What sort of height would you recommend cutting the grass to before doing this? Is it worth keeping it longer so as it's not smothered by the top dressing or shorter to make it easier for the compost to work its way in?

[@LawnRight]

Hi prob around an inch I'd say is good enough to cover both of those

[@mjabbar28]

Can you just use a garden fork to prick the lawn to aerate it?

[@LawnRight]

Sure can

[@jaymurtagh]

Great tips, thank you.

[@LawnRight]

😊👍

[@harveyhyvo6126]

Hi Shaun, I'm in Regina (Canada). My front and back yards are heavy clay. There are so many yellow patches. I spent the whole morning to rake out thatch but it's hard to remove. I just water my gardens before I watched this video. Is it ok when I watered it after earation? And can I keep doing the same process to you then? Or what should I do to get back my green grass? 😭 Thank you for your instruction

[@LawnRight]

Hi yes aerate it, then seed and dress it :)

[@andythemad01]

Very interesting video. My "lawn" is on top of heavy clay, full of moss as it is partially shaded and plenty of weeds. I have tried the moss killers and some clay breaker, ohh and there is plenty of Horse tail / mares tail to deal with. Any suggestions short of pave it over and paint it green would be greatly appreciated.

[@LawnRight]

Some roundup or glyphosate on the mares tail and may need repeat applications. I'd think about dealing with that first.. its gonna look a mess with surrounding stuff dying too but it's very hard to control.. you could try a roundup gel that dab on like this amzn.to/3zUz3oJ and itll minimise killing surrounding stuff..... then the lawn.. got to improve the drainage.. slowly or fast.. fast us to deep drill holes or use apost hole borer.. gravel in bottom then a sprinkle of gypsum, plenty of compost and topsoil on the top foot or so... slow route add humic acid, aerate and apply compost twice a year

[@andythemad01]

@@LawnRight Thanks for the reply. I have been trying Kurtail weed killer on the Mares tail and have used it twice a year for several years but it keeps coming back. When the lawn was laid the company doing it installed a land drain under the lawn but i dont think it is in the right place. I might try the post hole borer and put a few holes into the worst areas.

[@agnespm4181]

excellent video. thank you.

[@LawnRight]

😊😊😊😍

[@BLUEHORIZON-g2b]

Wouldn't it have been Better to have dug out say nine/ten two-foot trenches and replaced what clay was there with say pea-gravel then sharp sand, then used the compost and re-layed the turf on top of it all ? (just being curious)

[@bowenflob8036]

Great video, thank you

[@LawnRight]

You are welcome!

[@marklewis6499]

Hi Shaun... just received my order..thank you...just a couple of questions....can I apply, turfsolv and weedol at the same time....and how long after applying..can I top seed and top dress.. ?? ...thanks

[@LawnRight]

Hi mark.. so I'd apply turfsolv and give it a brief watering in and then you can do the weedol right after if you want.. or give it an hour to dry off a bit. As for any seed work you'll need to wait at least 4 weeks following any weedkillers to even think about seeds germinating.. maybe abit longer so itll have to be a toss up.. seed first then wait 2 months before using weedol.. or weedol then wait at least 4 weeks maybe 6 before seeding.. by then itll be super hot and need aton of watering during and after.. so my advice is to turfsolv then seed and dress and hold off with weedkiller for a couple of months 😊👍

[@marklewis6499]

Thanks, Shaun..much appreciated...I think I'll do the latter, seed top dress...areater...keep the videos coming..thanks again, Shaun 👍🍻🍻🍻

[@soundworksvectra]

My lawn is so clay its like trying to grow grass on a tidal mudflat. Tried putting holes in it but its so claggy the holes all close up and stick together after walking over it

[@LawnRight]

When it's dryer, make a few more holes and sprinkle gypsum down them then fill with good topsoil and some compost

[@backyardcanuck]

I have noticed that in North America soil is used for top dressing more often, however compared to the UK where you seem to use compost more often for top dressing. Wondering if there is a reason for the difference or is it more of a cost comparison of compost to soil? My local soil supplier that I use I can get 1 cubic yard of 4 way top soil mix (40% black soil, 40% peat moss, 10% sand, 10%compost) for around $30CAD a yard where as the same amount of compost is $60CAD a yard

[@LawnRight]

Hi its just personal thing really. Dressing a lawn with a number of materials helps in a few ways. Levelling, adding material to help the soil as it eventually form a part of the root zone anyway. For me with most of my videos I'm referring to simply covering seeds to stop birds and strong winds from moving the seeds while also getting some organic goodness into the ground

[@brahma8831]

Nice video! My back gardens very heavy clay and doesn't get much sun, so can get very boggy in winter. Going to follow your advice here, but what grass seed would you recommend for heavy clay and not much sun? Thanks

[@LawnRight]

Hi just go for a shaded seed to deal with the light issue. Mow medium to high regular to develop deeper stronger roots

[@violentnewworld]

I want to do this myself but I want to go hardcore in the worst areas. I want to hire a earth auger to drill past the clay. I'm in a new build and they developers basically scraped the topsoil off, buried a shit ton of crap, squashed it into the clay and then covered with 6inches of top soil.

[@LawnRight]

Yep doesn't bloomin surprise me one bit. I ranted about this last year kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXeYfXyflsamgrssi=kQUxQKUfDxw4ex7u

[@bhflute]

I have take all root rot. The grass died entirely along my drainage line. Would you recommend a French drain or try compost first before going to such measures ?

[@LawnRight]

Hi I'm guessing its clay soil. If the grass is sat in that much water all the time its in a pretty difficult situation. You could try some deep aeration holes with an auger maybe going down at least a foot and fill a third with gravel and a sprinkle of gypsum.. then the top 2 thirds with decent soil and some compost mixed

[@bhflute]

@@LawnRight yes horrible compacted clay. Oh no that all sounds so expensive 😣

[@stevenbuckley1416]

Shaun how long does it take for the grass seed to germinate on average ? I used an Afro comb to take up the worm casts I filled up 3 builders buckets last autumn and dried it out and have just put it down this spring over the lawn 😂 should be good for the grass .

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. hope all is good.. timing will affect how long it takes to come through. For example if you seeded in May it can be as little as 5 days but can be 2 to 3 weeks typically during early spring.. benefits at this time of year are more moisture around which will help a lot.. things dry up so much faster as it gets warmer and this will stress out the new grasses

[@leighwaywell8677]

Hey Shaun, for the compost, is there special requirements? I've range around a few places for compost and as soon as insay it's to top dress they warn me off it and tell me I need something sandy which I know I don't want to do. Our lawn is heavy clay and stays wet and squishy for DAYYYYYS after rain. We've just aerated and have previously aerated and humic acid a couple of months ago. I've ordered seed but I'm nervous to choose the wrong thing to put on top now. Can you give me confidence to use compost? 😅 is there a specific type?

[@LawnRight]

Multipurpose compost. People get confused when you say dressing.. I guess that's my fault.. yes traditionally a dressing is sandy soil to sort out levels but we are us g to to cover seeds and get some organic in the ground.. so any multipurpose will be fine

[@markscofield3161]

Last year I turned my gravel garden into a lawn stupidly put 5 inches of good topsoil on top of my clay soil to level off and seeded, grass grew well but I have terrible bogging, will this method help me out?

[@LawnRight]

Hi Mark you would need to get something deeper in, to get down into or through the clay. A post hole borer or auger bit as deep as you can. If you use a post hole borer you can get a couple.of feet down.. fill bottom with pebbles then sprinkle gypsum then topsoil and a bit of compost. This has worked for a customer

[@ekenne001]

Hi Shaun, topdressed my lawn and the topsoil is a bit clumpy ontop of the grass. Will this breakdown or should i do anything? Will stick to compost in the future

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. I've you got a standard garden rake stand it up and use the end of it to bash it down on the worst lumps so they are a little more crumbly. Depending on the soil type if its clay it will struggle to break down and ideally would want to pick out the worst bits. Good luck hopefully it's an easy fix

[@ekenne001]

@@LawnRight Thanks i have used jacks magic on the front and looks great. Hopefully it will breakdown but i will try and get rid of some of the larger bits

[@klmbloom1368]

Perhaps planting some trees and plants would also help. Also hedges used to soak up excess water , now it’s just fencing.

[@LawnRight]

Definitely helpful.. Especially hedges.. Don't see them nowadays do we

[@VideoBaseie]

I've killed off my garden with roundup. Its a new build and as you say its all clay. I'm wondering would it be a good idea to rotavate the garden and work in the gypsum and compost as i'm rotavating so it get incorporated into the ground well

[@LawnRight]

It's a good idea yes indeed.. hopefully the clay isnt too deep and reasonable drainage also

[@josephcoagrove580]

Hi great video and advice could you inform me where I could purchase the leaf grabber you use thank you

[@LawnRight]

Hi..from my local supplier pteshop co.uk or here www.tudorenvironmental.co.uk/tudor-long-handled-leaf-grabbers-heavy-duty?search=Leaf&description=true

[@TugaemBristol]

was there any improvments? i have a clay garden and the drainage is awful and we either want to replace the clay for top soil or do this treatment.

[@LawnRight]

Hi yes it 100% improved things quite a bit.. Any holes that go down whether with an auger bit or post hole borer.. Then bottom quarter with pea gravel then a sprinkle of gypsum and finally the top 3 quarters with a mix of soil and compost

[@mphys5370]

after dressing how long before the kids can get back on it playing?

[@LawnRight]

Hi of you're not seeding then straight away although it would be best to let it break down first which can be a couple of weeks or so

[@ejshortall]

How soon after a new lawn has been laid could we follow his procedure? The turf on our new build garden was laid around 5 weeks ago and so far it seems to be doing okay. It has been cut 4 times and we’ve been following the 1/3 rule, but I know it’s very early days and it’s going to need a lot of TLC. Is it too early to be adding soil amendments?

[@LawnRight]

Hi Emma.. I'd probably want to wait a bit unless it felt really well knitted down and you cant lift it up. When you aerate it may try and lift the turf but you can give it a go in one spot as a tester then go for it if ok 😊😊

[@ejshortall]

@@LawnRight Thank you. It has knit down really well in most places surprisingly. There are just a couple of weaker patches and I think they are because the landscapers didn’t level the ground off properly before throwing the turf on - yep I watched in horror then do the front lawn on my Ring doorbell. We just want to give it some TLC this year and see how it fares throughout the different seasons and then see where we go with it next year. I’m hoping with the advice from channels like yours and some love we might get a reasonably good lawn 🤞🏼

[@StartMan09]

Would it not be best to fill the holes with topsoil? Genuine question!

[@LawnRight]

Certainly not a bad idea but this time I've used compost to get the organics into the soil especially after using the roundup

[@dglawns]

Hey Shaun, good video and well timed! I’ve just taken on a new customer who has a clay lawn and quite honestly I’ve never seen anything like it! Huge piles of moss, a lot of POA and several deep puddles in places. Would like an opportunity to discuss this one with you if you have time but I’m thinking initially of adding a few soak aways as well as gypsum. It’s going to need killing off entirely as nothing there to save and starting from scratch. Be good to have your thoughts on this. Hope you don’t mind. 👍

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. I don't have enough knowledge of proper drainage (believe it or not!). Other than aeration or using a post hole borer go done 2 or 3 feet. . Fill so mi h with gravel then top foot or so a sprinkle of gypsum then good topsoil and some compost.. this worked s treat with a customer who performed it. If your win my facebook community theres afe win there now so might be good to get a discussion going.. facebook.com/groups/lawnrightcommunity/

[@dglawns]

@@LawnRight just joined. 👍

[@ravsingh577]

I was going to add gypsum, but I read it should only be used on soil that’s high salt. Is it ok to still use it? Or can I use some unused rock dust?

[@LawnRight]

Hi I honestly dont know the answer to this. Sorry! I just use it as a clay breaker

[@Sisilo123]

For the clay soil what should I use on the top? Top soil or compost?

[@LawnRight]

Compost is key but even some soils helpful as its changing pure clay to some clay with some soil

[@georgew4469]

What's your thoughts on Quality Garden Supplies (QGS) compost and top soil?

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. I've never used it sorry

[@celd7688]

Hello, what is this horticultural gypsum's chemical name? I couldn't find any product like this in my country. Thank you

[@LawnRight]

Hi it's calcium sulphate dihydrate 😊👍

[@celd7688]

@@LawnRight I found it. Thank you!

[@LawnRight]

@@celd7688 you're welcome 😊😊

[@christiandaulman7876]

I have a new build lawn too. What seeds shall I use there are so many?

[@LawnRight]

Hi yeah that's why I usually just choose a general amenity for most lawns.. far easier.. but if you have shade then a shaded seed will be useful

[@David-wh7rm]

Do you reckon the 'Wolf Garten Multi-Change Lawn Rake 50cm' could be used to spread compost across the lawn? This one is £28.79 however there's a 'Springtine Rake 50cm', for £32.99. Not entirely sure which might be best to pickup thatch and moss (already have a roller moss removal rake) and also spread compost. Maybe I'll just try my garden broom. Any chance I can email you a photo or two of my lawn, I can't tell if there's a lot of moss or if it's just different coloured grass. Thanks

[@LawnRight]

Hi.. the lawn rake yes or a broom would be best for spreading around or even the landscapers rake attachment when using the flat top edge instead of the metal bits amzn.to/3UtJV6t but either way those are better.. the spring time is not best suited. As for pics please consider joining my facebook community as its perfect for this sort of thing facebook.com/groups/lawnrightcommunity/ thanks

[@David-wh7rm]

@@LawnRight appreciated 👍

[@David-wh7rm]

@@LawnRight I'm thinking it's best to put down compost, then use my broom to spread it around and work it in, the use my handheld spreader to apply seeds because if I use my broom after applying seeds it'll spread them around unevenly. After applying seeds I'll lightly dust them with more compost and just step on it to get good seed to soil contact. Do you think that's right? Cheers

[@youngjock1985]

Great video 😊

[@LawnRight]

Thanks

[@betterlawns4u]

Hi Shaun. Do you use humic acid on lawns? Can you recommend any suppliers? Thanks

[@LawnRight]

Hi try the likes of pitchcare

[@betterlawns4u]

Thanks buddy

[@RetroFab]

When is the best time of year to do this treatment?

[@LawnRight]

Hi any time is good

[@RetroFab]

Thanks for the reply. It's something I really need to do as I'm sick of not being able to walk on my lawn during the wet months. It just squelches. Surprise surprise, it's a new build!