How to Lay Turf (2024)

FAQs

How to Lay Turf? ›

Begin at one side or one corner of the site and work across it, so you're facing the bare soil. Avoid making footprints in the newly laid turf by standing on boards. Lay the pieces of turf so the joints are staggered, in a similar way to bricks in a wall, and push them together tightly so there are no gaps between them.

Lay a timber board to use as a platform to work from and start laying turf strips from left to right. Stagger the joints in the same way as brickwork, from row to row, to avoid unsightly joins. Butt the ends and edges tightly together without stretching the turf, so there are no visible gaps.

Loosen and Level the existing soil base and remove any stones or tree roots. If required add a sandy loam or sand topsoil to a depth of 60-100mm. Apply Lawn Starter fertiliser on the prepared surface prior to laying the turf. Lay the turf in a brick pattern ensuring that you push not pull the turf into position.

What do you put under artificial grass? To perfectly lay your artificial grass onto an existing hard base such as concrete or tarmac, we recommend installing a layer of Lazy Foam underlay beneath the artificial grass. Before you lay the foam pad down, be sure to clean the surface beneath it.

Important points to remember​

Never use a roller on freshly laid turf as this can cause compaction if used incorrectly. Always push turf into a joint; never stretch the turves by pulling them. Turf must not be allowed to dry out.

When to lay turf. Turf is best laid in mid-autumn, but can be laid any time between mid-autumn and early spring, whenever the soil isn't too wet or frosty. In spring and autumn little mowing is needed, so newly laid turf can be left relatively undisturbed for several weeks, which will help it get rooted in.

For best results, we would recommend that turf needs to be laid onto good quality, prepared topsoil at least 15cm (6 inches) deep. If the topsoil in your garden is either too shallow or is poor quality, it is wise to bring in more soil before you lay turf.

Well drained soil is essential

If you have a clay soil, it's a good idea to incorporate lots of grit and organic matter into the soil before laying your lawn. Remember! Lawns are not like flower beds – you can't do too much to the soil once the grass has established so make sure it's right from the start.

Partial Rooting: By the end of the second to third week, you can expect partial rooting. The grass should be securely attached to the soil, and you can gently tug on it without it easily coming up. Full Rooting: It typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks for the turf to become fully rooted, depending on various factors.

The best base for laying artificial grass, as recommended by LawnPop, involves removing about three inches of topsoil and replacing it with crushed rock, sand, or gravel. This material serves as the turf base, which is then packed down and layered until it is firm and level with the ground.

What is the cheapest sub-base for artificial grass? ›

Compacted Soil

In some cases, the existing soil or substrate can be used under artificial grass if it is properly compacted. This is the most affordable option, but soil may not provide the same stability and drainage as gravel or paver bases. The key is compressing the soil to create a firm, flat surface.

Concrete, a wood deck, even a flat roof all make for an appropriate base for your artificial turf installation. The same considerations would apply, though, namely drainage and ensuring that your turf is laid out evenly and securely.

We recommend your new lawn has at least 50 - 100mm of clean, high quality topsoil as a foundation. Before you lay your lawn, ensure your prepared area is smooth, compacted and level, with no shallow spots.

When it comes to you on the pallet, it has a lot of nutrients and fertilizer already in it. There is no reason to add more fertilizer, and we actually advise against putting any fertilizer on the bare dirt before you're ready for laying sod or even watering it in on the newly laid sod. That's not a good idea.

It is possible to lay new turf on top of old grass; however, you're not going to achieve the best possible result. Therefore, we highly recommend you never lay fresh turf on top of old turf; otherwise, your lawn's condition will deteriorate over time as the old grass dies.

It's time to roll out the green carpet and give your yard the star treatment, by laying some brand-spanking new turf! It's surprisingly easy to do it yourself.