By Moiraraill63
Worcestershire,
United Kingdom 
I put compost on my garden and planted grass seed, it was OK the first year but is now like huge sponge, the grass keeps dying and coming back, it is constantly wet. We have a dog who walks black muck in and out of the house, its a nightmare. Will I have to take the compost up? Or could I put top coil over it and plant again ? If I decide to put slabs down would I have to remove the compost before I put stone down for the slabs? answers and ideas please
15 Feb, 2015
Answers
In making a lawn,or laying slabs,preparation beforehand is essential to getting good results..and hard work,but well worth the effort..If you do a search,there are lots of good websites that could help you to make a decision,as to what to do..I think with having a dog,a paved area would be much easier on your carpets..good luck...
15 Feb, 2015
It sounds as though you just spread compost and sprinkled seed on it. There is usually no need for added compost but it is essential to dig the area over, remove any weeds and make the ground firm and even. A dog on a lawn will always spoil it anyway as the urine makes scorch marks unless it is swilled off immediately. Sorry for the bad news.
If you want to use slabs you still need a very good firmed surface or they will become uneven very quickly. If you put spongy compost under slabs it will still be spongy and the slabs won't stay level.
As you are so unsure how to go about it I think you would be well advised to employ a contractor to lay your slabs - costs more but it should be a good lasting solution as they will be bedded in and mortared properly.
16 Feb, 2015
the one thing you haven't told us is what was under the compost you put down - was it a hard surface, solid clay or something else?
15 Feb, 2015