Prepare your site
Before laying your new lawn there are a few steps you will need to follow for the turf you have purchased to reach its full potential:
If the area to be covered in new lawn has existing lawn or weeds, we recommend it be sprayed with Round-Up to remove all existing vegetation. You will then need to wait 14 days before laying your new lawn.
Secondly, you will need to assess the soil: if it is of poor quality (eg. clay based or too sandy) you will require a turf underlay of good quality top soil which can be purchased from your local nursery. A guide for the quantity of soil to order - for every 100 sq metres, you will require between 5 and 10 tonnes of soil which will give you 25mm to 50mm in depth.
You will then need to spread the top soil out evenly using a rake or piece of timber. Making the surface to be turfed as flat as possible will give a better result. If the underlay is not organic based then add the required rate of fertilizer/lawn food to the area to promote good growth.
Measure Your Site
Measure your area length x width. If you have an unusually shaped area, box off and measure each section individually. Add up the total area in square metres. You may wish to order a little extra to be on the safe side.
Laying Your Lawn
You will need to start with a straight line along the longest edge, perhaps a driveway or boundary.
Unroll your turf across the area in a staggered pattern (similar to bricklaying). If the ground is sloped, align the pattern across the slope. This method minimizes the possibility of trenches forming between the rolls if a heavy down poor of rain occurs. When placing your turf rolls make sure they are butted tightly together.
When you reach an obstacle (eg. a garden bed, tree, drain or sprinkler) shape the turf roll around the object by cutting it to fit with a sharp spade or knife.
If you wish you may use a roller to flatten the lawn and to help bring the turf in contact with the soil.
Thoroughly water your new lawn after laying and keep it as moist in the first week or two. Consult with our staff for advice about the different watering requirements during various seasons.
Briefly, your new lawn can be laid at any time of the year. A lawn put down in warmer weather will require more water and will take root quicker, while a lawn put down in the cooler months will not require as much water and will take longer to get established.
General Maintenance
Your new lawn should be mowed within 10 - 14 days depending on the season. On the first mow you should lightly trim, making sure not to scalp your new lawn.
Once your lawn is fully established mow it to a desirable height and maintain it at this level. Obviously, your lawn will require more frequent mowing in the warmer months and less so as the temperature drops and the amount of sunshine is reduced
Your lawn, like garden plants, needs watering and the amount of water will depend on weather conditions. We also recommend you fertilize your lawn 4 times a year with a good lawn food (eg. Shirley #17, Dynamic Lifter slow release or Banana Special). Always water your lawn immediately after fertilizing to reduce the chance of burning the grass.
