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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 1:27 pm
by Ouch
Tony McC wrote:Might be worth puncturing through that 'stone' layer just to check what's beneath.
However, I'd hazard a guess that you would be OK to install a shallow-ish land drain
May well find a tunnel to the woods under the stone 
- would explain how well it appears to drain.
Will get the spade out at the next opportunity and have another go at it.
How deep would a shallow-ish land drain actually go? I'm beginning to think I might as well hire a turf cutter and get rid of the entire existing lawn -about 30sq m (I maybe put in in the front garden to bring up a few low spots) as it'll get trashed by the plant I need to level the ground, as well as having a land drain installed under it.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:54 am
by Tony McC
Usual recommendation for minimum depth is 300mm, but 450mm is better.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:59 am
by Ouch
Nice one. thanks. Will probably dig the trenches for that with the excavator I hire next week.
Is there a particular pattern/layout that would be most effective? I'm thinking of just a simple grid - 2 runs parallel to each patio edge, and then a quantity of pipes crossing the lawn to distribute & disperse - is there a recommended spacing or density for distribution pipes?
oh, and anyone want my lawn? 
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:07 pm
by Tony McC
The best layout depends on the site itself. Aim for 2.4 - 3.0 metres between each run.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:12 pm
by Ouch
Garden is only 8m wide, so that would suggest 3 runs
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 12:13 pm
by Tony McC
??? Why 3? One run 2.5m in from edge and same on other side leaves 3m between the two runs
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 7:55 pm
by Ouch
That's pretty much the same conclusion I reached once I'd drawn it out
Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:18 pm
by Ouch
Dug the hole a bit deeper.
Under the stones is a bit more yellow clay, and under that is blue clay. The blue stuff is fairly flaky looking, which might amount to its drainage properties. I fear I may be verging into the territory of geologist and departing the realms of hard landscaping, but I can't help be fascinated by what's underneath us all... sorry.