Turf is grown from grass seed and then cut from the ground once the grass has been established. When cut, it remains attached by its roots to the topsoil, allowing the turf to be transported to a new location and laid to create a new lawn. Turf can also be used to fill patchy areas in an existing lawn.
Think of turf as a grassy carpet. It is supplied in rolls, which are then simply unrolled and laid down to take root. Whether landscaping a new garden or refreshing a tired-looking lawn, read on to learn how to lay turf in a few simple steps.
1. Prepare The Ground
To prepare the ground for laying new turf, remove any existing grass with a spade or edger. Hiring a turf cutter is a quicker solution when preparing a large area. Any old turf can be composted for use around the garden.
Dig to a depth of 15cm, removing any debris, stones, weeds, or roots. Try to avoid using a residual weed killer that could prevent your new lawn from establishing. Large areas or tougher ground can be prepared using a tiller or cultivator.
2. Level The Ground
Rake the ground to create an even surface. To firm down the soil and remove any air pockets, tread the area down with your heels, or use a garden roller. Repeat the process of raking and firming until the whole area is level and even. Use a pre-turf fertiliser to help the turf become established quickly.
Mark out the boundaries of the lawn, then rake the soil for a final time. Then stay off the area to allow the ground to settle before the new turf is laid.
3. Measure The Area
Accurately measuring the dimensions of your lawn will prevent under or over-ordering. Turf is sold by the square yard and each individual roll of turf typically covers one square yard.
Measure your lawn, then multiply the length by the width. This is the size of your lawn in square metres. To allow for cutting, add 10% to this total. Our turf calculator can also provide an accurate estimate of how much turf you need.
4. Order The Turf
It is best to lay turf within 24 hours of buying it, so plan carefully before placing your order. Many turf suppliers offer delivery, which means you won’t have to worry about transporting your turf to your garden.
If possible, arrange for the turf to be delivered when you have time to lay it within 24 hours. If you are unable to lay your turf quickly, unroll it and lay it flat in direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out and turning yellow.
5. Lay The Turf
Start by laying turf along the edges of the lawn. When laying close to paving or stepping stones, ensure the soil is level with the edge. This will mean the lawn surface sits higher than the surrounding paving, making it easier to mow up to the edge. Use a garden knife to trim any excess and an edger to cut turf strips to size.
Use a timber board as a platform to work from as you lay strips of turf from left to right, butting the ends and edges together to conceal any visible gaps. Turf should be laid in a brickwork pattern, with the joints staggered to avoid unsightly joins.
Sprinkle gaps with top soil and brush with a soft broom for an even surface. To fill any hollows, peel back the turf and fill beneath with top soil before replacing the turf.
Any exposed edges of the lawn should be butted up with topsoil to help the turf take root and prevent it from drying out.
6. Aftercare
Use a garden roller to bed the turf into the soil and ensure the lawn is level. Water the new lawn well, using a sprinkler if possible to achieve even coverage when watering. During a hosepipe ban, collect rainwater in a water butt and water by hand with a watering can.
Stay off the lawn for a few weeks to allow the turf to bed in. Before mowing the lawn, check the turf has been rooted. If the turf no longer lifts up from the edge, it has taken root and can be mowed. A new lawn laid in spring should also be fed with lawn feed after two months.
7. Still Unsure About Laying Turf?
Elliott’s Turf specialises in supplying high-quality turf and our team will be happy to provide expert advice to help you lay a healthy new lawn. We deliver turf throughout the Midlands and across the UK, so if your garden needs refreshing with new grass, we can help.
Call 0115 937 1737 or complete our contact form to get in touch and place an order.
Posted in Advice, Turf
