There’s nothing like having an instant lawn that you can use, all within four to six weeks of laying. Using a reputable supplier is as important as laying the lawn. Turf growers can supply a number of different types of grass, and you need to ensure that you will be getting properly cultivated turf that has been watered, fertilised and looked after. Be careful that you don’t buy a pasture turf that may contain weeds, or weed seeds and is of a lesser quality, otherwise introducing a weed control plan could be something you need.
Preparation
Whether you are seeding grass or laying turf, the soil preparation is the same. The time you spend getting the soil and laying area ready is time well spent and will result in a great looking lawn. The turf has more than likely been grown on a soil different to the one you have in your yard. It makes no difference at all as you do not have to match the soil type.
Follow the same process for laying turf as you would for sowing grass seed. You can apply the same fertiliser, such as a turf starter, and water the area thoroughly. Don’t forget that the day you have ordered the turf delivery, is the day you should have set aside to lay it. If you have a very large area, get some help from friends, or stagger the delivery so that you are using fresh turf.
Tip: don’t keep the turf rolled up for more than 48 hours as it will soon turn yellow and the grass will die.
Laying the turf
You are looking at a brickwork pattern. So, cut the first roll in half, lay it in one corner and then you can continue laying the full rolls. Butt them up against each other to make a tight fit and conceal the seams. Try not to walk on the freshly laid turf. Lay a board across the areas that you have to walk on.
After Laying
Not surprisingly, what you do for a freshly laid instant turf lawn is the same as what you do for a newly sown lawn. They both need daily watering for the first couple of weeks then it can be reduced gradually to two or three times a week. Don’t walk on the new lawn until you can feel that the roots have taken hold in the soil. If you don’t water roll on turf enough, it will shrink and crack resulting in more repair work, possibly using a compost mixed with seeds.
Best Time
While laying turf in the autumn or winter is not recommended, as long as the ground is not frozen or water logged, it should still work. You won’t have to water it and hopefully the turf will take root and be ready to use come late spring and summer.
The First Mow
There are, again, similarities between sown grass and roll on turf. The idea for the first mow is to take the top 10mm off the grass. After that, you can reduce the mowing height that is suitable for the grass and makes your lawn look the way you want it to – neat and attractive.
