Laying turf is a great way to create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn. Turf is readily available in rolls of various sizes, making it easy to cover large areas quickly. In addition, turf is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Once laid, turf requires only a minimal amount of care, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners. Turf also has several environmental benefits. It helps to prevent soil erosion and can act as a natural filter, trapping pollutants and helping to improve water quality.
If you’ve never laid turf before, below we have created a step-by-step guide to help.
What tools & materials do I need?
- Turf
- Topsoil
- Wheelbarrow
- Lawn roller
- Rake
- Hand saw or long knife
- Fork or spade
- Scaffolding planks
- Garden hose and sprinkler
- Lawn feed
- Gardening gloves
Now you know what tools you need, here are the steps to follow to lay turf for a spectacular result:
Measure and order the right turf for your backyard
To work out how much turf you need, you simply have to multiply the width of the area by the length. However, the tricky part of the process is getting accurate measurements. Always use a long tape measure – or a laser measure if you have one – as this will reduce the need to add different measurements together. It’s best to order a bit more than what you think you need too, because if you end up 2-3 rolls short, you’ll find ordering small amounts of turf is much more expensive and time-consuming.
Prepare the area where the turf will be laid
Before you lay turf, you need to prepare the area where it will go. This means removing any existing grass, levelling the ground, and adding a layer of topsoil. If you don’t do this, the turf will not be able to take root and will quickly die.
First, make sure the ground is level and free of any large stones or debris. Then, use a garden fork to loosen the top layer of soil. This will help the roots to take hold more easily. Next, select a turf that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.
The best time to lay turf is in the spring or autumn when the weather is cool and moist. However, you can lay turf at any time of year as long as the ground is not too wet or frozen. Once you have prepared the area, you are ready to lay your turf.
Lay the turf in rows
When installing new turf, it is important to lay the pieces in rows, starting at one end of the area and working your way towards the other. This will ensure that each piece of turf is touching the one next to it, creating a seamless appearance.
It’s also important to make sure that there are no gaps between the pieces of turf, as this can allow weeds or other unwanted plants to take root. By taking the time to properly lay the turf, you can create a beautiful and healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighbours.
Cutting and shaping the turf to fit
Once you’ve measured and ordered suitable turf, you want to cut the turf so that it fits the space. Unless the roll of turf is an exact match regarding the width and length of the space, some shaping will be necessary. Make sure you have the correct turf cutting tools, such as an industrial cutter or utility knife depending on the thickness of the turf.
Roll it with a lawn roller
A lawn roller is a great way to get an even, professional-looking lawn. The best time to roll your lawn is in the spring, after the ground has thawed and before the grass starts to grow. To use a lawn roller, simply fill it with water or sand and roll it over the surface of your lawn.
Be sure to roll in different directions to ensure good contact with the ground. After that, all you need to do is water regularly and mow when necessary, and you will have a beautiful lawn in no time.
Water the turf immediately
Once you have laid the turf, you want to water it immediately. This helps the grass to recover better after being rolled and promotes the continued growth of the grass. It also helps the roots to bed into the soil, increasing the chances of successful rooting. Once this adjustment period is over, how often you need to water your new turf will depend on the type of turf you have, so be sure to do your research.
Additional tips for newly laid turf
Check the grass is good for mowing
Before mowing your new turf, inspect it first to see if it’s ready. With new turf, “ready” means that the turf has taken to the foundation and successfully rooted. One of the easiest ways to check whether the grass is good to be mown is by grabbing a handful and pulling upwards; if the blades come out of the turf in your hand, then the turf is ready.
Don't let the grass dry out
As mentioned, it’s imperative that you keep newly laid turf well watered. This allows the turf to root better into its foundations, creating a stronger and sturdier root system. This results in better grass renewal and decreases the likelihood of grass being pulled up away from the rest of the turf.
Stay off the grass until rooted
During that initial period following laying, your new turf will be more susceptible to damage. To minimise the chance of any damage or disruption occurring, it’s best to keep off the grass until it’s had the chance to root. Once rooted, you should be safe to walk on the grass as normal.
Sweep away any debris or detritus
Alongside keeping off the grass yourself, remove any debris or detritus that lands on your new turf. This includes stones, sticks and leaves from nearby foliage and trees. This gives the new turf the best possible environment to root and grow without disruptions or changes in the soil’s chemical balance.
Supplement the grass with fertiliser
As well as preparing the foundation for your new turf prior to laying it down, you should also supplement the newly laid turf with all of the necessary nutrients. If you used a pre-turfing feed before, you can also apply it to the sward and water it in following the turf being laid. Aim for a fertiliser with high potassium and phosphate levels.
Maintain a regular mowing routine
Any new turf is best maintained with a gentle, yet regular, mowing routine – don’t let it grow wild! Regular mowing will encourage grass renewal across the turf, and will also keep your grass nice and tidy.
Need assistance with laying your turf?
No matter what kind of turf you choose, installing it correctly is critical to its long-term success. That’s why Sunshine Coast Turf offers professional installation services for all of our products. Our team of experienced installers will ensure that your turf is laid correctly, providing a firm foundation that will stand up to years of wear and tear.
We also offer a wide range of other services, including soil testing, fertiliser application, and irrigation system repair. So whether you’re looking for a brand-new lawn or simply wanting to give your existing turf a fresh start, we’re here to help. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do.
