Laying turf in a garden is a process that some people may not fully understand and what is needed in order to do it. Turf can transform a bleak garden into an inspiring space in a matter of weeks. Laying new turf should ideally be done in the spring/summer months to ensure it adapts to your garden in a quick and healthy manner.
In this guide, we outline the steps to take when laying turf on topsoil so that your garden is given a new lease of life!
Contents
Step 1 – Preparation
The first part of the process is to prepare the ground you plan on laying the turf on. This is a crucial part of ensuring you have a luscious lawn and as the old saying goes “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
You will need the following equipment to lay your turf:
- Rolls of turf
- Wheelbarrow
- Spade
- Lawn and turf topsoil
- Rake
- Knife/sharp utensil
- Watering can
If you have existing turf in the place you want new turf, we would suggest you rip up the turf instead of placing topsoil on top as you will get the best results in the long term, due to the aeration of the soil underneath.
Once this is complete, you will need to spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. Prepare the area by levelling the ground and removing big stones and then using the wheelbarrow, pour some topsoil on above and even it out with a rake.
After applying the topsoil, you will need to firm the surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. Fill any freshly-created dips with lawn and turf topsoil and compress again with your feet and finally give the surface a gentle rake over.
Step 2 – Laying
Now that the hard work has been done to prepare the ground, you are ready to lay your new turf.
Start from the outer perimeter and work your way inwards. Ensure the turf is pressed against the soil and overlap the edges of turf pieces and cut with a knife/sharp utensil to make sure the edges come together securely. Once you have placed the turf above the topsoil, use wooden planks to walk across the new grass to prevent damaging it.
Step 3 – Watering and mowing
When you have finished laying the turf, it is important to water it as this will help encourage growth and make the adaption process as smooth as possible. Using the watering can, regularly water the turf for the first few weeks to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Start mowing your new turf when the grass is 2.5cm – 5cm high, never removing more than one-third of the total height of the grass at a time. This will need to be done each time the grass reaches this length to keep it healthy – you can lower the mower height after 3 initial mows.
Where can I purchase topsoil and turf from?
Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality topsoil, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can cater for your needs. We supply premium topsoil and turf, so you can be sure your garden is given the love it deserves.
