Preparation

Remove vegetation, roots, plants and stones ready to prepare the soil. Vegetation may need to be sprayed off to avoid it growing up through the new turf. A garden centre can advise on the appropriate product and how long before the ground will be ready after use. This may typically be 2 weeks.

The ground needs to be made ready to lay the turf on top. There needs to be sufficient quantity and quality of top soil to nourish the grass and levelled to the desired slope, flatness or other contour. We advise 5-15cm (2-6 inches) of topsoil is needed for grass to thrive. But this depends on factors such as the drainage and aspect of the land.

To prepare the soil rotivate, roll and rake over the surface. Rotivating will ensure the ground isn’t too compacted which can be bad for drainage. Grass needs well draining soil otherwise moss is likely to take over. Rolling the loose soil will speed along the process of settling it to its natural level. Use your feet to firm down the soil if you don’t have a roller. Then finally, raking it will make it easier for the growing roots to take hold into loose soil.

Laying

Start laying from a position where you won’t need to stand on the prepared soil. Then continue by placing a plank on the first rolls to spread your weight evenly.

Lay the turf rolls in a brick fashion and push them together as close as possible. This helps to avoid the joins being noticeable. In warmer weather some shrinkage is normal after laying so these steps help to make the newly laid lawn look as good as possible. Where this happens the effect will disappear as the grass grows, or you can sprinkle some fine soil or sand into any gaps.

At the end of a row of turf where a piece is cut to fit, it is best to avoid finishing with a very small piece. If necessary cut the previous piece and use a longer strip to finish. Again this reduces the problems of shrinkage.

Curved and slanted lines require the turf to be cut to fit. You could use an old kitchen knife.

Aftercare

Now refer to our guide for aftercare. Most importantly your new lawn needs plenty of water.

We supply quality turf all year round. If you would like any further advice on lawn care or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com