LAYING TURF

Laying turf to create your new lawn is an alternative to using grass seed and is easy as long as you have done the preparation beforehand. Do some research and make sure you find a good reputable outlet who will deliver to your home. They will also advise you on the correct grass to use for your area as there are several types for different needs. You can also ask them how to prepare your soil before laying turf; they may offer to do the job for you, but as you don’t need special tools just a wheelbarrow to carry the sod, a garden rake and a spade,  laying turf yourself is quite straight forward and satisfying.

Make sure you will be laying the turf within 24 hours of delivery. If unforeseen delays do occur, keep the grass damp.

So you’ve followed the advice on soil preparation, the pH levels are satisfactory, you’ve flattened the humps, filled in the hollows, raked it level, making sure you get the soil to a fine consistency. Now firm it by walking on it or rolling it, then rake it nice and level again.

Next what you need to do prior to laying turf is to evenly broadcast a granular fertilizer over the site, rake well in, and then water well.

• Start laying turf along a straight edge, be careful when unrolling so you don’t damage it. Push each roll close to the previous one, make sure you have good contact with the soil by using a flat board to lightly press the grass down.  When laying turf in subsequent rows, make sure you stagger the rolls and push close together. Trim the edges with a sharp knife or spade to fit around paths or trees.

• It’s very important that when you’ve finished laying turf, you need to make sure it is watered daily for at least two weeks, in hot weather perhaps twice a day. You should not use a roller after laying turf, also before walking on it let the grass get established, it could take a few weeks before the grass roots into the soil.

• The grass will establish itself quickly in the warmer months as long as it’s kept moist, so be prepared to water frequently in the early stages of development, (consider reticulation to automate this process).

• Mow the lawn as soon as it’s grown long enough.

You should always do plenty of research into what type of lawn mower suits your needs as there are plenty to choose from.

Laying turf will dramatically change your landscape; you will be amazed by the transformation.