How to lay turf

Summary: Learn how to lay turf, preparing the soil, laying the turf, and maintaining the lawn.

When deciding to lay a new area of turf in your garden, it is important you prepare the ground well, and that you are ready to lay it as soon as it arrives. Delaying the laying of the turf could result in the death or deterioration of the grass.

Laying a turf

The best time of year for laying new turf is at the end of winter or early spring.

  • It is important also the plan the shape of the grass area you are laying and to know the types of grass available. There is a range of different grass types to choose from, so decide what is best for you and your needs before purchasing anything.
  • Prepare the soil that the grass will be laid on well. If the soil is poor in quality, such as clay or sandy soil, then you will need to remove this and spread a layer of good quality soil in its place. You should also add manure or compost to this new soil. The topsoil should be of a minimum depth of 5 inches to allow the new turf a good base to grow.
  • The ground beneath the grass should be we drained to avoid too much water retention. This may require a soak away or other simple drainage system to help the grass stay in top condition.
  • When you are ready to lay the turf, order the amount you need (rolls of turf come in lengths of 3ft x 1ft) and mark out the positioning of the new grass with a straight line using string or other accurate method.
  • As you lay the turfs, you may notice bumps or uneven patches. Avoid this by smoothing the soil beneath as you go to keep the lawn as neat as possible. When laying the second row of turf, stagger any joints as you would if building a wall. One continuous joint across your lawn may be noticeable.
  • Any gaps between turfs should be filled in with good quality soil and sharp sand. Trim the edges of the laid turfs once you have fitted them all into position and roll over them length ways and width ways with a garden roller.
  • You need to look after and nurture your new lawn, particularly in hot weather. Throughout the summer, lightly water the grass, especially in hot, dry spells.
  • As the grass needs to settle in to its new place, you should avoid using the lawn at the beginning. This includes keeping large objects on the grass, walking on it too much or allowing too much general usage.
  • Only start cutting your lawn when the grass is clearly growing. Set the lawn mower cutting level high and gradually reduce it each time you mow.

How to lay turf video

Summary: DIY video showing you how to lay grass turf.

Before you order your grass you should make sure you have prepared the ground. If you delay laying the turf it can deteriorate the grass or even cause the grass to die.

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