FROM START TO FINISH…
1. Clear the site of debris, large stones and weeds. If persistent weeds are present you may wish to spray with a proprietary brand of herbicide. For soft weeds, you could also use a proprietary brand of herbicide. NB: spray chemical treatments are not essential – good results are achievable without.
2. When the soil is dry, dig over or rotavate the site, correcting any high or low spots using Inturf™ Premium Topsoil to give your turf the best possible start.
Roughly set out shape and contours.
3. Firm the area using your feet or a garden roller. It will be firm enough when you leave a light impression of your footprint, without sinking. Level and grade the soil to the exact shape and contours required, getting the surface as smooth as possible. Rake to a fine tilth to a depth of about 20mm (3⁄4”).
4. As an option at this stage you can incorporate a general purpose fertiliser and rake into the surface if the soil is of low fertility.
5. Ensure all preparation is completed prior to the turf arriving on site. Bring turf to site. Avoid walking on the prepared site. After the first row of turf has been laid work from planks to minimise walking on the newly laid lawn.
6. Start at the longest straight edge of your site. Lay turf end to end, butting up as closely as possible. Lay turf brick fashion by staggering the joints and rake again just before laying. Avoid stretching the turf. Firm the turf down using a light roller and water immediately. Ensure water soaks through to the underlying soil. Keep watered until fully established. (See tips on Coping with Drought below).
7. When mowing, box all clippings. Never remove more than 25% of growth at any one mowing. The first mowing should take place when over 20mm (3⁄4”) of new growth has appeared. Only remove this new growth at the first cut, and only gradually reduce mowing height if a close cut is required. There may be foreign bodies in turf, so please use gloves.
Coping with drought: top tips if you’re working with INTURF during dry spells
- Plan ahead to prevent the turf drying out: don’t have more turf delivered in a day than you can lay.
- Only buy your turf from an INTURF stockist: that way you’ll know the turf is fresh when you buy it.
- When your turf is delivered to you, stack it in a shady place with the aim of laying all that is delivered in the course of the day.
- Using water from a water butt or recycled in some other way, prepare and wet the ground immediately before laying the turf.
- To conserve water usage, lay and water-in no more than 20% of the delivery at a time. This means the first turf laid won’t have totally dried out when you reach the end.
- In the days following, water only either in the early morning or in the early evening, so the sun doesn’t burn off the water you’ve added.
- Give the turf a light rolling to ensure good contact with the soil underneath.
- Hold back on the mowing: the blades of grass should be at least 25mm in height.
- As the turf establishes over the first month, water less frequently. After a month the turf should be well established.
- Enjoy it!
Useful tools
Overleaf you will find a month-by-month guide to taking care of your turf. Here are some tools you might find it useful to have:
- A knapsack sprayer, edging shears, lawn edger, fertiliser spreader, spades, trowels, garden lines, canes, and planks for any turf laying
- Suitable watering equipment
- A good quality mower
- Aeration machine (garden fork for small areas)
- A roller
- Besom or stiff broom
- A lawn rake or scarifyer (hand tool or motorised)
- A stiff brush and a lute for top-dressing
How Long Does Turf Take to Root?
One common concern we hear when laying new turf is around the time it takes for the turf to establish strong root systems. The rooting process is a crucial phase in ensuring the health and longevity of your lawn. Several factors can influence how long it takes for turf to root, including environmental conditions, turf type, and care practices.
Different turf varieties have varying growth rates and as a result, the time it takes for them to root may differ. Understanding the specific characteristics of your chosen turf can provide insights into its rooting behaviour which is something our team can support with.
Climate, soil type, and seasonal variations play a significant role in the rooting process. Generally, warmer temperatures and consistent moisture levels promote faster root development. Laying turf in autumn can also be a good time as turf generally gets less traffic over winter so gives the roots plenty of time to establish themselves.
The quality of soil preparation before laying turf is crucial. Well-prepared soil provides an optimal environment for roots to establish and penetrate the ground.
Tips for Supporting Turf Rooting:
1. Watering: Keep the turf consistently moist during the initial weeks to encourage root growth.
2. Avoid Heavy Traffic: Minimise foot traffic on the newly laid turf to prevent disturbance to developing roots.
3. Patience is Key: While it’s natural to be eager to enjoy a lush green lawn, allowing sufficient time for the turf to root will contribute to its long-term health.
By understanding the factors influencing the rooting process and following proper care practices, you can ensure that your turf establishes a strong and healthy root system.
TOP TIP once your turf is established…
Rather than using a herbicide to kill weeds in the turf try using a knife to cut out the root. Each time the turf is mown pick out the weeds as you go along. It’s a little extra work but it’s much cheaper, it’s greener and it’s very much more effective!
