RESTORING TURF

Here we are loosening the stones on the spillway of the dam to allow the grass to take root.  Note the sparse grass with clay showing through.  A 10 inch deep hole had eroded during the recent rains.
Bob Wilson (7 Tottenham) and Dave Suwala (11 Bayswater Place) are spreading topsoil over the Durham clay.
Raking the topsoil to about and inch or two of thickness
Tamping down the topsoil by walking around on it
Checking that the seed bed is level.  This is critical where we are trying to create a weir for the water to flow over.
Spreading the Scott's PatchMaster tall fescue mix evenly over the topsoil.  This product contains the grass seed and a shredded wood pulp to retain moisture and fertilizer to give the grass a good start.
Rolling out the turquoise-colored seed starter mats from Pennington Seed Co.  The product is made of natural wood fibers to keep seed moist for superior germination.  It also holds the see in place so it won't wash away in the rain.  Comes in 39"X20' rolls.
Pinning down the seed starter mats with landscape anchor pins from DuPont Garden Products.  They come 25 per package.
Dave is watering the seed bed thoroughly.  Thanks to Harriet Crisp (24 Bayswater Place) for supplying the water to get our grass going.  We'll have to keep it moist for maybe a week more.
You too can improve the grass near your home.  The process only took us maybe 3 hours which included buying the materials from Lowes.  We restored 180 square feet of turf on top of the dam.  Don't need to take up yoga for exercise, just take up gardening.