Creating
a new lawn from scratch is easy if you pick the right time of year and
prepare the site thoroughly.
Turf
will quickly establish on soil that is warm and moist - autumn is
perfect as new turf will also be regularly watered by winter rain. Turf
can also be laid in spring, but avoid this time of year if you live in
an area hit by a hosepipe ban as new turf needs frequent watering to
prevent grasses from being put under stress.
Buying
turf
- A
standard piece of turf will cover about one square metre and is best
ordered from a reputable supplier who can deliver straight to your door.
- Choose
good quality turf raised from seed - it is available in several grades,
which suit different situations: domestic turf contains dwarf perennial
ryegrass and is very hard wearing, while fine turf, contains grasses
such as bents and fescues and is better for a showpiece landscaping
project.
- In
areas of low rainfall, try drought-tolerant turf.
- When
turf arrives, stack rolls in a shady spot and if they appear dry,
sprinkle with water.
- Aim
to lay the turf within a day of delivery - if laying is delayed, open
the rolls and water. Don't worry if they turn slightly yellow, they
should quickly green-up once laid.
Laying
turf
- Prepare
the soil by skimming off any old grass, removing large stones and
weeds, and then roughly levelling by flattening humps and filling
hollows. Fork over the site and rake level to leave a fine finish. Firm
the soil by walking over, placing weight on your heels and rake again.
Sprinkle a granular fertiliser over the soil and lightly rake into the
soil and water well.
- Lay
your first row along a straight edge, slowly unrolling turf to avoid
damaging. Butt each piece up closely to the last and ensure good
contact with the soil by tamping down firmly with the back of the rake.
- Lay
the next row, making sure the pieces of turf are pushed right up to the
first row. Stagger this and subsequent rows in a brickwork pattern
until the area has been covered.
- Lay
turf so it runs beyond the area of your new lawn and trim edges with a
straight edged board and a half-moon cutting tool. After cutting, scoop
up handfuls of soil and put under the edges of the turf to prevent it
drying out. If possible set up a sprinkler to water or soak thoroughly
with several doses from a watering can.
Aftercare
- Try
not to walk on newly laid turf until it has rooted into the soil, which
could take several weeks.
- If
the weather is mild over winter the grass will begin to grow. Trim it
lightly, keeping the mower blades set high.
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