Installing

To start your soil preparation you must spray out all old grasses and weeds so that the ground is clean. You can use Roundup or another similar herbicide to do this around 7 to 10 days prior to the commencement of any ground preparation. The Ideal soil pH for turf grass is 5.5 to 6.5. Soil pH kits are inexpensive and herbicide can also be purchased at most Bunnings stores or from your local nursery.

If your area needs to be excavated to level out the ground this should be done while the area is clean and there are no weeds or grasses. If your ground is too large to excavate by hand you can hire a bobcat and operator to do the hard work for you. On hard compacted soil it is advisable that you apply gypsum into the soil which loosens the soil and breaks up clay. You can purchase gypsum from most nurseries or many Bunnings stores. The excavated level should be approximately 150 - 200 mm below pathways, driveways etc. The soil level needs to be lower because the lawn needs room to grow so that it doesn't overtake your paths.

Your area is now ready to add the new topsoil (70% Sand/30% Soil mix) which can be purchased from your local nursery or landscapes supply yard. This should be spread over the entire area to be turfed using a metal rake or something similar to level out the topsoil. The depth of the new topsoil should be around 100-150mm.

If the top soil being used doesn't have any form of fertilizer in it, it is a good idea to spread out some starter fertilizer (available from Greener Lawn) on top of the prepared area and lightly rake in. If the area to be prepared is not compacted or clayey this can be sprayed with Roundup and left for the same period as above.

You can then hire a cultivator or rotary hoe from your local hire shop and work the ground to a depth of 100-200 mm adding organic matter on sandier type soil as you go. This can then be smoothed out with a rake or levelling tool.

Turf is a living plant, and for best results should be delivered on the day planned for laying. Turf should be laid immediately on delivery. Begin watering your new turf within 30 minutes of installation, especially in summer. Turf requires ground contact to survive.

Step 1 of 6

Begin laying your new lawn to be turfed, against pathways, garden edges, etc. forming a border. Then continue by laying across any slopes you may have, trimming excess turf at the border along the outside, with a knife or spade.

Step 2 of 6

Your turf should be layed in a brick pattern for a neater finish. Butt and push ends together tightly without stretching.On a large lawn it is best to complete a small section by rolling turf as you go.

Step 3 of 6

Rolling your lawn after laying can be an advantage as it will give your turf more even contact with the soil.A roller can be hired from your local hire store.

Step 4 of 6

Give your lawn at least 25 mm of water within 30 minutes of installation. (Depending on weather conditions), keeping turf moist, until it is firmly rooted. Be sure your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot dry or windy conditions.

Step 5 of 6

Check turf by carefully lifting in areas, and checking for moisture and new roots. Once turf cannot be lifted, watering can be spaced to once or twice a week (depending on weather conditions).

Step 6 of 6

Keep off your new lawn for the first four weeks to avoid damage.