Laying turf from scratch is quite straightforward. However, like all good things, it does involve some hard work, sweat and preparation before you jump right into placing an order. While the team at Turfman highly recommend using one of our installation experts to ensure the proper care and installation for your new turf. We also understand the satisfaction of achieving a DIY project. So, if you’d like to learn our best tips for laying lush grass yourself, continue reading our blog.
Step 1: Measuring your turf
The first step into landscaping your backyard and installing turf is to measure how much you need. A standard piece of turf will cover about 0.72 square metres. Using a measuring tape, string lines and marking paint, begin measuring out the area you would like to resurface. Record this information and contact the team at Turfman to place your order.
Step 2: Remove existing vegetation
The next step to the turf laying process is removing any existing vegetation, rocks, stones or weeds. Spray your lawn with weed killer if required before removing the dead turf, so you have a firm surface to work with. It’s very important not to lay new lawn over existing turf, as it will not be able to sustain life.
Step 3: Ground Levelling
You may find your ground is uneven after you remove the vegetation. You will need to level/shape the ground before adding soil. Make sure it has a gentle slope to allow water falls to the correct direction, so your new turf won’t drown in one area or too dry in another. This step is crucial. Contact us if you need any advice or let us do the hard work for you! Turfman Brisbane always makes sure the ground is prepared properly.
Step 4: Prepare the Soil
When adding soil, make sure you use turf underlay soil instead of topsoil. They are very different in composition. Turf underlay soil has the nutrition required for your new turf, so you don’t have to add extra fertilizer for the first few weeks. We recommend 30-50 mm of soil is adequate, too much under turf soil will cause sinkage since they are very soft and screened.
Step 5: Transporting turf
We highly recommend laying new turf on the day of delivery to avoid detrimental consequences, including pallet burn. Pallet burn occurs when the heat of the turf and carbon dioxide combust. This causes the turf to die, so the shorter you can leave the turf on the pallet, the better it will thrive.
Step 6: Laying turf
Lay your first row of turf slowly to avoid damage. Place each piece tightly to the last and stagger the rows in a brickwork pattern until the entire area is covered.
Step 7: Watering turf
Straight after laying the grass, we highly recommend that you water the area immediately. A deep soak, evenly throughout the area is vital for promoting the growth of the grassroots. Short 5-minute watering sessions, 2 – 5 times a day is recommended, but try not to flood the area.
Step 8: Maintenance
6-8 weeks after laying your new turf, we recommend that you use the appropriate fertiliser to feed your lawn. Not only will fertilisation keep your grass in great shape, but it will also help it to adapt to changing weather conditions and increase its stress tolerance.
As a turf specialist, Turfman provides a range of turf services for homeowners, landlords, and commercial businesses in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and parts of the Gold Coast. With more than 13 years’ experience in landscaping, site preparation, and laying lawn turf, your project is in good hands with Turfman. Contact us for more information on the turf varieties and services our team provide!