The secret to laying cultivated turf perfectly is all in the
preparation. The project of laying new turf begins long before you lay it, so
allow plenty of time to prepare the ground for the turf.
Plan Out Your New Lawn
It all begins with a plan of exactly what you want your lawn to look like. Think about the size and shape you want so you can figure out how much turf and topsoil you will need. There may be old turf that needs removing first as well.
Also make sure you have all the tools you need ahead of time, so
you don’t have to improvise with something unsuitable that prevents you from
producing the best result possible. Tools you will need for laying new turf
include a wheelbarrow, a spade or fork and a rake. You will also need a garden
hose and preferably a sprinkler for it, as well as a good gardening knife or
handsaw so you can cut the turf to specific shapes when required. Also consider
some scaffolding planks to create walkways over the new turf as well as runways
for the wheelbarrow.
Preparing the Ground for New Turf
An existing lawn will need to be removed first, and doing so will help you remove all the weeds that have accumulated throughout the lifespan of the old lawn. Laying new cultivated turf directly on top of the old lawn is a bad idea as the new turf will struggle to root and the weeds will simply grow right through it.
One method is to use a turf cutter to cut out the old lawn, which can then be turned into compost or repurposed elsewhere. The other option is to use a non-selective weed killer that will kill the grass along with all the weeds.
Once the old lawn is gone, check the quality of the remaining topsoil and top it up if necessary. You can also mix in a soil-improving compost to ensure the topsoil has an abundance of nutrients ready to feed your new turf.
You will now need to level the ground, especially after topping up with fresh topsoil. Even if it already looks level, walk around the stripped lawn area and feel with your feet for any peaks and dips and tend to them respectively, also removing any stones you find.
Finally give it a gentle rake so the surface has a fine tilled
layer on top.
Laying Cultivated Turf
It is important that cultivated turf is laid out as soon as possible. Springbridge recommends you lay their cultivated turf rolls within eight hours of delivery.
For square or rectangular lawns, start at an edge and lay the turf rolls so that they butt into each other at their ends. Stagger each row like brickwork to create a strong connection between all the laid turf rolls. Always push them into each other and never pull or stretch the turf to fit.
For circular lawns it is better to start from the middle and work your way out to the edges, so you only have to cut on the outside rather both on the outside and the inside.
Once laid, firm down the turf with the head of a rake and fill in
any gaps with topsoil.
If you require cultivated turf rolls, then contact Springbridge via our website or call
today on 0845 370 1921 for more information.