Laying Lawn Turf-00-2826

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1) Caring for your turf
Order your turf to arrive after the garden has been thoroughly prepared. On delivery, stack the rolls in a cool position out of the sun, then sprinkle with water.

2) Preparing the soil
After digging over the site to mix in some compost and condition the soil, use a tined cultivator to break down lumps. Make sure the garden is free from weeds and any debris.

It's important for turf to be laid on an even surface, so consolidate the soil by flattening with a scaffolding plank or similar plank of wood. If you current soil is of a low grade invest in at least 100 mm of topsoil. Avoid laying sand as some sources recommend, grass has evolved to be grown in soil NOT sand.

Use a wide rake to produce a fine surface, remove any unwanted debris such as weeds and large rocks. Check that the surface is even across the whole site, with no bumps or hollows. Use a plank of wood to check this.
To encourage strong lawn growth, sprinkle a base fertiliser evenly on the soil. Choose a slow-release organic feed or a fertiliser. Rake lightly into the soil.

Oakley Turf won't root ...
... into dry soil, so water the entire garden if the weather is dry. A fine nozzle attached to the hose makes this easier than watering with a can. Now lay the turf.

3) Turf Laying Guide
Starting along one edge, slowly unroll the first roll of turf, setting the edge exactly. Once unrolled, tamp down firmly with the back of a rake to settle the roots into the soil.

Continue unrolling the Oakley Turf, butting each length of turf tightly up against the previous one. Use the teeth of the rake to pull or push the turf into position before firmly tamping it down.
Continue until the entire area is covered with turf. Ensure that rolls of turf are laid in a pattern like bricks, so joins don't all fall in line, but are offset against one another.

Turf can be run beyond the edge of the lawn, then cut back to create a pristine line. Use a straight-edged board and edging iron to trim it, pushing down to ensure a clean cut. Fill any gaps with off-cuts.
Then most importantly set up a lawn sprinkler to water the entire area and settle the turf. Water is essential for your turf and the 1st 2 weeks are key to ensure the new turf establishes a root system.

4) Caring for your garden turf
Try not to walk on your newly laid turf, for at least 20 days or until it has rooted down into the soil. Ensure to keep your turf thoroughly watered for the first four weeks to ensure a green strong lawn. Walk on boards if necessary. Give the grass frequent trims once it starts growing, using a light mower, such as a hover mower, rather than a heavy model. Keep the blades set high to start with, never cutting too short, and collect all the clippings.

5) Enjoy your new lawn.
Congratulations you have successfully laid your new lawn! From Winter, to Spring, to Summer and through to Autumn your new lawn will be an asset to your property.

About the Author:

Oakley Turf supply http://www.oakleyturf.com and http://www.oakleyturf.com throughout the counties of Essex and Suffolk. Oakley Turf Farm was formed in 1987 and continues to be a family run turf business cutting garden turf all year round for the Essex and Suffolk counties. Our turf is used for residential gardens, building sites and public sector sites such as hospitals and local councils.