Kitchen Garden Forum

I have a friend of my wife visiting us from Germany who has asked my advice, and, I'm sorry to say I do not know the answer to her problem . For a number of years, a Walnut tree grew in the small garden outside her flat, but, three years ago, it blew down and was cleared away and the ground dug over by the ever-efficient German Authorities. She sowed grass seed which grew, initially, quite well, but, after last Winter, the moss seems to have taken over and the grass almost vanished. Without having the ground tested, has anyone any idea what would need putting back into the soil to replenish it after this really old tree had been removed?

Thanks,
Asdagadget

The problem will be juglone which is a chemical secreted by the walnut tree. It is a powerful inhibitor to other plants' growth and its herbicidal properties persist in the roots of a dead/removed tree for some years. There's a short article HERE and more HERE
I can't find any references to counteracting its effects, other than, presumably, patience.

Thank you so much for your prompt and thorough reply. . . . to say Nora's German friend is impressed is an understatement !!!! And the article in German. . . . . .she was flabbergasted !!!!! Thanks, again !!!