Do I have to remove all stones in earth when sowing lawn seeds?

[clarelouise]

Do I have to remove all stones including small ones when preparing the soil to sow seeds for a lawn? We are removing all the larger ones.We just wanted to know if we have to remove all the small ones as well. It is quite a large area 24ft x 24ft to rake and seive and it is taking ages and ages and I can't see us having it ready for end of september. We are buying top soil from our local garden center and putting about 5cm in depth down. We are seiving then around 3 cm of the soil we have at present,but do we have to get all the tiny stones out?
Total depth of fine soil will be 8cm is that okay?
Any tips we seem to be going round in circles. We do an area then find more stones again in same area.
Also weather against us.Never seem to get much dry weather lately todo it
HELP! ANY ADVICE PLEASE!
clare.

[maviscoull]

as long as you get the biggest ones out you should be fine. and if you are going to be adding topsoil then definately. just get rid of the boulders, anything gravel size is ok. thats what i did and my lawn was perfect....till the puppy dug it up !!

[Thunderbird+]

I think your doing the right thing by removing the larger stones but I would'nt bother personally, removing the smaller ones,as they help to give the soil some structure and assist with drainage.
Just roll them in. Good Luck Tbird+

[saxy_jag]

You could always hire in a machine to do the job.

[Tatty Rollox]

...... and organise a sun dance .....

[clarelouise]

many thanks for your replies.
It is much appreciated.
Will do as you have said.
clare.