How to Lay Turf

How to Lay New Turf

Laying new turf is a really easy way to repair or replace grass which is looking past its best.

It can give you an instant lawn, which can be used almost instantly. This is quicker and easier than overseeding or growing a lawn from seed.

The grass can be used within days, which may be more practical if you have pets or children.

The process is quicker and more practical for busy homes. However, the key to success is still in the preparation.

You’ll need the right tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently, too. Hire everything you need from Speedy Hire. Create an account and start hiring today:

 

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You will need:

• Turf cutter (optional)
• Rotavator
• Spade
• Water
• Weedkiller
• PPE (eye protection, gloves & heavy work boots when gardening and using turf cutters, rotavators and lawnmowers)

 

We will go through everything you need to know about laying new turf below.

 

When to Lay Turf

The best time to lay turf is mid-autumn, but this period can be extended to spring. The ground can’t be too wet or frosty, so avoid winter.

You will need to get your new turf delivered to your home as it is heavy and bulky. It must be laid within days to avoid drying out. Ideally, do it within 24 hours of delivery.

If laying is delayed, roll the turf out flat and water it. Leaving it rolled up will weaken it and can dry it out.

During autumn through to spring, grass doesn’t need to be cut very often. So, you can also leave your new turf to settle and root for a few months.

Avoid laying turf from mid-spring to autumn, as the weather will be too hot. You’ll need to constantly water it and avoid it drying or scorching, which can be stressful upkeep.

 

How to Lay Turf: Step by Step

1. Bring up the old turf

If you’re replacing old grass in your garden, you need the existing lawn up first.

Use a turf cutter to cut the grass into smaller sections which are easier to lift. This will also cut deep into the soil, which means you remove the root as well as the grass layer.

This will be less physically demanding than using a spade to cut the grass. You might still need to lift the existing grass with a spade.

Use a wheelbarrow to collect the grass and dispose of it properly according to local council regulations. For instance, you usually can’t dispose of soil in your home garden waste collection.

 

2. Prepare the soil

The success of your lawn will depend on how well the soil is prepared.

 

• Remove the weeds

You want to remove the visible parts of the weeds as well as the roots. Do this by hand or using a weed removal tool.

Use weed killer, but make sure it is not a residual type. Residual weed killers stay in the soil. This could end up damaging the grass roots.

 

• Rotavate the soil

Rotavating soil is the process of churning up the soil. This reduces compaction, increases aeration, and improves drainage.

You will need to hire a rotavator. Read our guide on how to use a rotavator if you’re new to this equipment, to get the best results.

 

• Leave to settle

You want the ground to settle for at least a few days to a week. Ideally, you should wait around six weeks, especially if you’ve fed and nourished the soil with manure or compost.

It’s a good idea to plan well ahead. Bring your old lawn up at the end of summer, prepare the soil, and then get ready to lay the turf in autumn.

This will also give you plenty of time to check no more weeds come up. You might want to cover the area with a membrane to reduce weed growth and protect the soil from wildlife.

 

3. Firm and level the surface

You then want to make the surface a bit firmer and ready for the turf. Tread the area by stepping and walking on it—you don’t want to compact it, but you need to ensure it is stable. This will reduce the likelihood of it sinking once the grass is in place and reduce the presence of air pockets.

If after this, the soil level needs to be increased, use good quality soil to increase the height. You will also want to fill in any gaps.

If you need to match up the level of turf with another existing area, you might want to make the new area slightly higher than the existing area, as it will sink slightly.

 

4. Lay the turf

Turf often comes in rolls. Begin at one side or corner, furthest away from your home, and work sideways, trying to avoid walking on the new grass.

Every roll of turf will have to be slightly staggered, to ensure there is no gap between each roll. This joint can then be pressed down.

SPEEDY TOP TIP: Keep a bucket of soil with you as you lay the grass. This will allow you to fill in any areas or remove excess soil as you go.

Sprinkle some garden compost onto the lawn and use a soft yard brush to push the soil into the joins. It will fill any gaps.

If no rain is forecast, water your lawn well. Then you’re going to want it to establish for a few days to allow the roots to establish.

Don’t overwater though, as this can drown the roots. Water little but regularly if the weather is dry.

 

 

FAQs

How do I choose the right type of turf?

First of all, think of your garden. Is the grass shady? Is this why your old lawn didn’t survive?

If so, you need turf which is great for shady areas. This will often be a mix of dedicated grass species.

Likewise, wildflower or meadow turf is available if you want to create an eco-friendly garden.

Try to avoid turf grown on a plastic mesh or net. It is unnecessary plastic and can cause issues if you then scarify your lawn in future.

Measure your garden correctly and check the turf when it is delivered. While turf can vary from type to type, what you receive should all be pretty similar and consistent.

 

When can I mow new grass?

You can mow newly laid turf once the grass blades are around 5cm high. Keep the blades of the lawnmower really high—you want to limit how much grass it takes off, to encourage thicker growth.

If you laid the turf in autumn, the grass should be ready to cut by around April.

Read our blog on how to mow a lawn if it is your first experience with grass. Then, our blog on lawnmowing tips will turn you into a pro in no time.

 

READY FOR MORE LAWN CARE TIPS?

Thank you for reading our Speedy Hire blog on laying new turf. The aftercare is really vital to ensure it was all worth it, and we have further reading on lawn care:

• What is a mulching lawnmower?
• Can I mow wet grass?
• How to use a lawn aerator

 

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need right here. Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account online or visit us in-store for all your tool hire needs.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.

 

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