PREPARATION For best results, use a systemic weed killer on unwanted vegetation following the instructions on the container. Clear any old grass, weeds and debris, then rotovate or dig over to a minimum depth of 15cm (6”). Improve heavy soils by incorporating horticultural sand. Rake and tread the surface to produce a firm, level bed. Before turfing you can incorporate our pre turf mix into the soil and raking in to give your turf the best chance.
Unroll the turf carefully and lay it in position, taking care not to stretch the sward. Always work forwards in rows, staggering the joins as in bricklaying. Keep checking that the turfs are tightly butted together and in hot weather, water the turf as you go along.
Use a sharp edging tool or knife to cut off excess turf. An old hosepipe makes an ideal guide for cutting curves. Use a tamper to ensure that all the underside of the turf is in contact with the soil. Working from boards makes the job easier and prevents damage to freshly laid turf.
Outcome/results expected & when
Lawn typically becomes established within 2 weeks; it may start rooting from 10 days – 21 days. By gently pulling at an edge of the lawn you will be able to see if its rooted in.
Turf can generally be laid most of the year so long as the ground is not frozen or too wet. Just ensuring that in the warmer weather it is well watered.
Our turf is grown from a seed mix of:
20% Perennial Ryegrass
10% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
35% Slender Creeping Red Fescue
20% Strong Creeping Red Fescue
15% Chewing’s Fescue
· Rolls of turf are approximately 2 foot wide by 5.5 foot long which cover an area of 1m2.
· They have an approximate soil base of ¾ inch.
IMPORTANT NOTES All turf should be laid the day it is received. If this is not possible, it should at least be opened out and watered. During prolonged dry periods, raise the height of cut to the upper limit and leave clippings to help retain moisture. Maintaining the grass above 38mm (1.5”) will allow the incursion of weeds and weed grasses in a very short period.
Check out our other blogs to see how to care for your lawn after it's laid.
Authored by Andrew Steven, director of City Garden Service who first established the business in 1968 and has invaluable knowledge and first had experience.