Best Practices In Turf Laying For Stunning Results

lTurf laying involves proper preparation and installation to ensure the turf establishes well, resulting in a lush, healthy, and resilient lawn. 

A lush, well-maintained lawn can significantly enhance any garden, providing the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun when summer comes around. Attaining a pristine lawn throughout the year is straightforward with some practical tips.  

With the right preparation and techniques, you can create a flawless lawn that adds both aesthetic and functional value to your garden. From soil preparation and measuring the area to choosing the best quality turf and mastering the laying process, we cover everything you need to know to transform your outdoor space. 

Prepare Your Soil 

You want to loosen the soil (about 150mm deep) to give your new turf roots a chance to successfully embed. Use a rotavator or garden fork to turn over the area. The soil should also be free of stones larger than 10mm. Rake the area flat and if you need to increase the height of your new lawn, add a layer of topsoil. Again, rake it flat and gently compact down by using a compaction plate or doing the “Gardeners’ Walk”, where you shuffle your feet along the surface – get the whole family involved with this! 

Top turf tip – Avoid using weed fabric or membrane under your lawn. This is a suggested solution to stop weeds. However, it stops the new turf from putting its roots down into the soil. 

Measure and Order 

Before you place an order for garden turf, it’s essential to measure the area accurately to determine how much turf you’ll need. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your space and calculate the total square meters required. For assistance in figuring out the precise amount of turf needed, you can use our handy Turf Calculator. If you have any questions or need further help with your measurements, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure you get exactly what you need for a beautiful, lush lawn. 

Time To Lay Your Turf 

Turf laying involves starting how you would with a puzzle, starting with the edges of your lawn to form a border. This will help stop the size of your lawn from shrinking and moving over time as these tend to be whole pieces of turf.  

Next, pick the centre focal point of the lawn from its main viewpoint (i.e., patio doors or steps), and lay a line of turf away from this centre point. Once you reach the other edge, turn around and lay the next row as “return”, in the opposite direction. Aim to stagger the pieces, like a brick wall, to avoid any gaps. Repeat until the area is full to achieve the perfect striped lawn. 

Top turf tips:  

Make sure you lay at least a quarter of a turf roll. If a piece is going to be smaller, cut it into two so each piece is larger than a quarter. This will help prevent shrinkage.  

Place laying boards on the row of turf you’ve just laid; they’ll protect it from leaving footprints or creating hollows. It also helps to gently press the rolls of turf down into the soil. 

Top Tips For Turf Laying 

Proper preparation and lawn turf installation ensure the turf establishes well, resulting in a lush, healthy, and resilient lawn. Here are some of the best tips for laying turf: 

1. Prepare Your Soil: Ensure the soil is well-prepared before laying turf. Remove debris, weeds, and rocks.Use a garden fork or rotavator to loosen the soil to a depth of about 4-6 inches. After this, incorporate well-rotted organic matter or compost to improve soil structure and fertility. 
2. Water Your Soil: Use a sprinkler or hose to evenly moisten the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. Properly hydrated soil provides a favourable environment for the turf to establish roots and promote healthy growth. 
3. Firm the Soil: Use a rake to level the soil, filling in any low spots to create a smooth and even surface. Firm the soil by gently walking over it or using a roller to prevent the turf from settling after laying. 
4. Lay the Turf: Begin laying turf along a straight edge, such as a pathway or border. Stagger the joints in a brickwork pattern to create a seamless and natural appearance. Butt the edges of the turf rolls tightly against each other without overlapping, ensuring there are no gaps between the rolls. 
5. Roll and Level: After the turf is laid, roll it after installation to eliminate air pockets. Ensure good soil-to-turf contact, prevent water pooling, and encourage even growth. 
6. Water: As soon as the turf is laid, water it thoroughly to settle the soil and provide essential moisture to the roots. 
7. Minimise Foot Traffic: Avoid walking on the newly laid turf rolls as much as possible during the first few weeks. This allows the roots to establish without disturbance. 

Once your turf rolls have been laid and established. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilisation will help maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn. 

Proper soil preparation, careful installation, and consistent maintenance contribute to your turf’s long-term health, appearance, and resilience. By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood of successful turf establishment and enjoy a vibrant lawn all year round. 

How To Lay Turf Video 

George Davies wanted to give you a thorough but easy to follow, step-by-step guide. This guide shows you how to get that professional finish to your project. 

He breaks each step down, giving you an idea of what you need to start making your dream garden. There are top tips on how to achieve the very best look for your new lawn. 

He talks about instant stripes, watering. As well how to measure odd shaped areas because let’s face it, no one has a perfectly uniform square garden! 

So, check out the video below on how to lay turf rolls!