Laying turf is like “outdoor decorating” in many ways! If the preparation is done properly, then the chances of success are greatly improved. The importance of good preparation cannot be over-stressed and it is not an overnight process, taking up to two weeks to make an area ready. Ideally turf should be layed on the same day that it is delivered.
PREPARATION
• Any existing vegetation needs to be completely eradicated using a glyphosate non-selective systemic herbicide such as Roundup. This is a broad spectrum herbicide which is used to kill a wide range of weeds and tree stumps and is especially effective against perennial weeds. Roundup is a total weed killer and will not discriminate between unwanted weeds and desired foliage, thus requiring its application to be contained to the specific area for your new lawn. Ground should be ready for clearing and preparation in two weeks.
• Once clear, cultivate the area to a depthh of about 6” (15cm) to aereate the soil and ensure that the ground is not compacted. In areas where the soil is very heavy, it is advisable to mix in coarse sand to assist drainage or add a good quality, fresh topsoil to a depth of 4” (10cm)
• Clear any residual debris and rake thoroughly to produce a smooth level surface of fine soil. Ideally the area should now be lightly rolled to give a firm base onto which to lay the turf. If no roll is available, it can be treaded down but the results are not likely to be as uniform.
• A light dressing of fertiliser should now be applied. We can recommend suitable products but it should be low in nitrogen, high in phosphate and medium in potash. Prior to laying the turf, the area should be watered to encourage quick rooting of the turf.
We use TGA approved rye grass turf, which provides an excellent year round appearance. It has a medium fine texture and is suitable for all landscaping projects where good wear tolerance and easy maintenance is required.
Our small rolls are 600mm wide and 1.65m long with each roll covering about 1 square metre. These rolls are easily manageable by hand and suitable for lawns and small areas.
LAYING TURF
Once the area has been prepared, it should not be walked on. Boards or planks should be used to ensure that the prepared area is not disturbed.
The first strip if turf should be laid along the longest, straightest edge of the prepared area and subsequent strips should be following on from this. Ensure that all of the underside of the new turf is in full contact with soil underneath.
It is not advisable to use small pieces of turf at the ends as these are likely to dry out. If necessary, the previous strip should be cut back to ensure that good size pieces are used at all times.
Once the first strip has been completed, the next strip should be laid in the opposite direction as shown above. This will produce a pattern similar to brickwork with no four corners of turf meeting in any one place. Adjoining edges should be butted together and any overlap should be cut off with a sharp knife or lawn edging tool. Small gaps should be filled with a mixture of coarse sand and topsoil.
Once the turf has been carefully laid, it should be thoroughly watered and again at regular intervals until it is well established.