Tips

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Choosing turf

Good quality turf is only found at the suppliers, so it is best ordered directly from them. They will also deliver to your door. It's also best to choose good quality turf raised from seed, and not simply meadow turf that could be full of coarse grasses and weeds.

Caring for turf

When placing your order, plan it to arrive after the site has been thoroughly prepared, as it usually arrives in rolls and can deteriorates quickly if not laid straight away. On delivery, stack the rolls in a cool position out of the sun and sprinkle with water. Cover with a sheet of polythene to prevent the turf drying out. It is quite usual for turf to turn pale and yellow within the rolls, but it soon returns to green once light gets to it. Try to lay it within 24 hours for best results.

Preparing the soil

When the site is dug over mix in some compost and condition the soil, use a tined cultivator to break down lumps. Make sure the area is free from weeds, stones and any debris. It is important for turf to be laid on an even surface, so pack down the soil by walking up and down heavily on the heel of your shoe, then again from side to side, covering the complete area.

Afterwards, use a wide rake to produce a fine surface tilth to the soil. Ensure that the surface is even across the whole site, with no bumps or hollows. Use a straight edge (plank of wood) to check this.

To encourage strong lawn growth, sprinkle a base fertiliser evenly on the soil. Choose a slow-release organic feed or a fertiliser. Rake lightly into the soil. Turf will not root into dry soil, so water the entire area if the weather is dry. A fine nozzle attached to the hose makes this easier than watering with a can. Now you are ready to lay the turf, which is very rewarding.

Choosing

Caring

Preparing