DIY Turf Laying

 

Here is a basic DIY guide to laying your new turf:

 

1.   It is best to lay your turf as soon as possible once it is delivered. Remember turf is a living product and is not made to be left rolled up for long.

 

2.   Ensure your soil is dry enough to lay turf

 

3.   Start laying your turf at the bottom of any slope and always lay across the slope. Also, ensure you start laying your turf at the furthest point from your pallets as this will avoid you having to constantly walk over your newly laid turf before it has had a chance to establish.

 

4.   Lay your turf in a brickwork pattern – ie stagger the joints so they don’t all line up as this prevents drying out and soil erosion.

 

5.   Adjoin the rolls as closely together as possible to avoid gaps but don’t overlap the rolls as this kills the turf underneath and makes it difficult for the turf on top to establish its roots.

 

6.   Use a sharp knife to cut any rolls as needed. Avoid stretching the turf.

 

7.   Once all your turf is laid give it a really good soaking with water within half an hour of laying the turf. If you are laying a large area of turf you may need to begin watering the laid areas before you finish.  You will need to keep your turf damp for the first 2 – 4 weeks until the roots have begun to establish and the turf cannot be lifted when grabbed and pulled by hand.

 

8.   After around 2 weeks you may need to mow your lawn. Ensure you mow at the level recommended for your turf type. It is better initially to mow the turf higher to assist it to establish and then gradually reduce your mowing height once your turf is well established to avoid stressing the plants. It is particularly important that turf not be mown too low.