installing your turf
turf installation guide
Let us guide you through installing your new lawn. From ground preparation, laying, fertilising, watering and mowing; we are here to help.
These steps below provide a comprehensive guide on laying your lawn, as the correct installation of your lawn is essential for a fresh, healthy and vibrant lawn.
post installation
mowing your lawn
Do not attempt to mow your lawn before week 3. Before mowing test the grass to see if it can be lifted. If it can, then it hasn’t had enough time to bond with the soil and mowing is likely to pull up the lawn and damage it.
Wait until the roots have been established in the soil below. The first mowing shouldn’t be too short, just take the top off to encourage new foliage and root growth. Each subsequent mowing can be lower each time.
post installation
fertilising your lawn
Fertilising should be done four times a year (eg Jan, April, July, and October). Using a combination of organic and synthetic fertiliser will give your lawn the boost it needs to stay healthy and choke out weeds.
If you are suffering from patches of “dead” lawn it is likely that there is a lawn grub in the soil. A regular application of an insecticide will keep these grubs at bay and help your lawn stay strong and healthy. You will need to check the manufacturer's directions for application rates for your areas.
We also recommend aerating or coring your lawn once a year (before the wet is a good time) to prevent the lawn from thatching and to allow the fertiliser to reach the roots.
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 1 (Preparation)
Eliminating Weeds
All weeds need to be eliminated before the lawn is laid if you want a weed-free lawn. It is much easier to do it at this stage than after the lawn is established. Depending on the type and amount of weed invasion, this can be done manually or by using a glyphosate weed killer at least a fortnight before.
STEP 2 (Preparation)
Building the Foundation
The soil needs to be built up to lay the turf down onto. An organic sandy mix is ideal, but pure washed river sand can also be used. The normal depth of sand is about 50 mm, but if the soil is heavy clay, spread generous amounts of gypsum, and then add 100 mm of sand.
STEP 3
Levelling
Next comes the crucial levelling stage. You will need a rake, which most people will have, and a leveller, which can be hired for the job. The thickness of turf is about 50mm, so when placed against paths or edges, the lawn has to sit just a little bit higher than the edge. It is best to take time at this job because otherwise, the end result will be a bumpy lawn.
STEP 4
Applying Fertiliser
Apply a pre-planting fertiliser. Apply a light application of a pre-emergent or dynamic lifter along with an insecticide to give the turf the best start. Spread it evenly over the area and it is ready to lay the turf.
There are numerous methods to fertilise your lawn. You can utilise a broadcast spreader, a drop spreader, a handheld spreader, or even apply it manually. If applying manually, ensure to wear gloves and apply it with caution. Walk backward, dispersing fertiliser as you move in a sweeping motion.
STEP 5 (Installation)
Laying The Turf
It is very important to lay the turf as soon as it arrives. Watering the rolls while they are still stacked will not help at all. Lay the turf along the paths and edges first so that there are no small pieces to dry out on the perimeter of the lawn. Press the ends and sides of each roll firmly against the adjoining one. The tighter the join, the quicker and better they will knit together.
Note: Joins should be staggered, rather than finishing each roll in a continuous line across the lawn. Ends have a tendency to dry out because they become exposed much more easily.
STEP 6 (Installation)
Watering Your Lawn
Water is essential to getting a lawn established quickly and maintaining good green colour. The water helps to settle the lawn in, triggers the fertiliser and helps the subsequent rolling to be more effective. We recommend:
From installation -Week 2: Overhead watering for 10 minutes at 6 am, 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Week 3- 6: 20 minutes twice a day at 6 am and 6 pm Week 7-12: 30 minutes once a day at 6 pm
Ongoing: Every three days for one hour.
STEP 7 (Installation)
Compacting Your Turf
The last step is to give it a good roll or whacker pack. You will need a roller that weighs about 45kgs to do the best job. The aim of this exercise is to firm down the turf, squeeze out any air pockets and ensure a good bond between the grassroots and the soil.