Preparation & Laying
Soil Preparation
Removing Weeds
Before you lay your turf, the ground must undergo some preparation to ensure that the root system is given the best opportunity to establish. Soil preparation is crucial to the lifespan of the turf and while it might be tempting to skip this step, it is well worth it in the long run. The process begins with getting rid of weeds and existing grass. This is achieved by using a good weed spray or herbicide 7 to 10 days prior to further ground preparation. If there is large rubble or general debris, this must also be removed. Once the soil is free from weeds and debris, the acidity level need to be tested using a soil pH kit available from good hardware and gardening stores. The Ideal soil pH for turf is 5.5 to 6.5.
Excavation
Excavation is the ideal way to level out the ground where you intend to lay your turf. If your area does require excavation, this should be down while the area is clean and there are no weeds or pre-existing grass. The excavated level should be approximately 150 – 200 mm below pathways, driveways and garden edging. The soil level needs to be lower so that the lawn does not overtake your paths or garden beds once it has grown.
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 add gypsum to the soil to loosen it up and break up the clay. You can purchase gypsum from most nurseries or hardware stores.
Turf Underlay
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. Spread the topsoil over the entire area to be turfed and level it out with a metal rake or something similar. The depth of the new topsoil should be around 100-150mm. If the top soil doesn’t have any form of fertilizer in it, it is a good idea to apply some starter fertilizer on top of the prepared area and lightly rake it in.
Cultivate
When Topsoil Is Not Required
If the area is not compacted or clayey and does not require additional topsoil, remove weeds with a herbicide, leave for 7-10 days, and the apply some starter fertilizer. 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 to sandier soils as you go. This can then be smoothed out with a rake or levelling tool.
Measure & Order
How to measure how much turf to order.
Using a tape measure, measure the area to be turfed. Need help calculating the area?
See the below diagrams
Area of a Square / Rectangle
Measure two sides of the square; side A and B. Then multiply them together
A x B = Area
Eg. 8 x 8 = 64m2
Area of a Circle
Find the radius of the circle (from the center to the edge of the circle)
Then multiply 3.14 x radius x radius
3.14 x R x R = Area
Eg. 3.14 x 5 x 5 = 78.5m2
Area of a triangle
Measure the width of the area (base of triangle), half it and multiply it by the height.
Half Base x Height = Area
Base = 10 / 2 = 5
5 x 5 = 25m2
Contact Greener Lawn via phone or email; sales@greenerlawn.com.au and place your order or get a quote.
If calculated correctly, your result should be the total m2 of turf you will need to order. We do however recommend you purchase an additional 5 –10 meters extra to allow for cutting in. The more weird and wonderful shapes you have the more you should allow. If you require further assistance, please contact our office and one of our friendly staff will be able to assist you.
Lawn Installation
Create A Border
If required, use a builder’s line, string or line marking paint to outline the area over which you will lay the turf rolls. To form a border, lay your turf rolls against this outline, or against pathways, garden edges and building lines to form a border. Trimming any excess turf with a knife or spade.
Use A Brick Pattern
Fill in the area by forming a brick pattern, ensuring that the rolls are staggered and parallel to each other. Butt and push ends together tightly without stretching. Where you are laying on slopes, lay the turf rolls horizontal to the slope.
Lay the turf rolls across any slopes and trim excess turf at outside borders using a knife or or sharp blade. On a large lawn it is best to complete a small section by rolling turf as you go.
Keep Off The Grass!
To avoid damage, avoid walking on your new lawn for the first four weeks, especially while wet. We recommend putting up a “Keep Off The Grass” sign along with some perimeter tape.
