In order to get the best from your new turf lawn proper preparation of the ground is essential for the new roots to establish themselves providing a better finished result and ensuring it thrives for years to come.

This post will outline the best practices of laying turf. We’ll show you how to strip your existing lawn, prepare the ground and after care.

REMOVE THE EXISTING GRASS AND PREPARE THE GROUND

If you’re in the position where you need to remove an existing lawn this can easily be done in a number of ways.

GRASS AND WEED KILLER

Use a non-selective grass and weed killer and treat the desired area. Always ensure you follow the brands recommended quantities for best results. If you choose this method I would advise doing it at least 10 – 14 days prior to laying the new turf. Remove any killed grass and weeds with a rake.

ROTAVATOR OR TURF CUTTER

Using a rotavator or turf cutter you can very easily cut away the old grass. These can be hired from most reputable hire shops. The waste can be recycled at a household waste centre.

PREPARING THE SURFACE

The aim is to create a level, flat and firm surface. Any stones, old grass or weeds including roots should be removed as much as possible. A few smaller stones left behind are generally not a problem and can be beneficial for drainage.

It is essential to rotavate the soil ideally to a depth of 6 inches but the same effect can be achieved using a spade or fork. Dependent on the quality of your soil you may want to add a topsoil to help improve the turf growing conditions. Adding topsoil here can also help ease working conditions.

Once you have rotavated the soil you should lightly compact it to create a more firm surface. This can be done by walking over the surface ensuring the finished result is even and level. Finally using a rake you want to lightly go over the soil, again ensuring it remains level throughout.

LAYING NEW TURF

While Gloucestershire Turf provide a laying service you can brave the challenge yourself. It is essential that you only order your new turf once you have finished the previous stages. Once turf is cut it needs to be put down as soon as possible. On delivery you do have a 24-36 hour window to get it in place but in ideal conditions the sooner the better. If you need to store any rolls of turf while you are working ensure they are in a cool and shady area out of direct sunlight.

When starting to lay the turf start at a straight edge of the garden from one end to the other making sure the ends of the turves are butted together leaving no gaps. To ensure good contact with the soil below lightly firm down using a plank of wood or the back end of a rake. On placing turves around angles it can simply be cut using a sharp knife or hand saw. Avoid walking on the turves as you lay it.

Use wooden boards as you work if the shape of your garden requires you to do so. If you have any gaps showing simply top them up with some topsoil to encourage the roots to spread.

AFTER CARE ESSENTIALS

For the first 7 days after putting down your new lawn you will need to water it for at least an hour a day. This is best done in the evening to avoid evaporation from the sunlight. It is advisable not to walk on it during this period while the roots are developing. For watering I would recommend using a sprinkler where possible. If weather is extremely dry in the weeks after it is recommended to continue regularly watering.

When mowing the lawn the first few times try not to cut more than 1/3 off the blades. Gradually over the next few cuts you can reduce the height to the desired level. 

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Long after the job is done, www.GloucestershireTurf.co.uk receive lawn care inquiries from clients. While we offer our garden maintenance service by request, our Four Seasons Lawn Care series is dedicated to clients who wish to brave the challenge themselves. 

In recent years the South West has witnessed seasonal extremes. From record rainfall to droughts this series will show how to manage your lawn … Whatever the weather.

How Low Should I Mow?

Rousing your lawn to it’s best is a seasonal affair. Failure to apply best practices during the winter will adversely affect your lawn during summer. Just as a student who crams at the last will labour and fold in exams, a gardener who neglects his lawn will suffer. 

Managing your lawn during the summer is based on effective hydration, aeration and mowing height.  

How often should I water my lawn?

Once turf is laid, we recommend watering your lawn for an hour a day. For the rest of the year, however, this would be excessive. During the summer watering no more than two or three times a week for twenty to thirty minutes is advisable.

That said, your should monitor conditions daily and adjust your approach accordingly. Signs your lawn is ready for water include wilting blades and discolouration.

How I often should I aerate?

Aeration is also referred to as aerification. It is the act of using a trusty garden fork to penetrate the earth, allowing air and water to circulate the roots. Doing this will also reduce compaction and enhance drainage. 

To aerate effectively you should puncture the ground firmly every 4 to 6 inches. Some gardeners refuse to aerate their lawns at all during the summer. However, with variable conditions during the British summer, we can apply this practice at our discretion.

Aeration is best practiced during cool seasons or weather conditions. It should not be executed at times of high heat or drought. 

How low should I set my mower?

It’s a little known fact that your lawn will grow faster during the summer months. That said, you should resist the temptation of lowering your mowers height a notch …

… In fact, you should raise it.  

Mowing too low will risk scorching the earth resulting in dehydration. Raising your mower a notch, up to 3 inches, provides insulation and protects your lawn.  

A word on grass clippings …

It isn’t always necessary to remove grass clippings. Mulching can prevent a loss of moisture from the roots and soil. However, clippings are best removed if the blades are too long or if a pre-existing turf disease is present.

Whether you want your green to be held in the same as esteem as the grass courts of Wimbledon, or you simply want a hard wearing lawn for the family to enjoy, we hope you’ve found this article helpful. Please share your questions and thoughts below. 

Contact Us With Your Questions …

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