Installation - Turf Grass Establishment

Turf Installation

• It is recommended to spread water retention products (Water Crystals) as per product specifications.
• A slow release organic fertiliser is also recommended to be spread evenly over the area to be turfed.
• Install your lawn immediately upon delivery.
• Begin laying turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or path. A string line will be used to create a straight edge in areas where there are no other borders to run against (this ensures a uniform neat straight edge).
• The easiest way to lay the turf is to lay around the perimeter or border of the area first, then run the strips of turf along the longest side of the area. This reduces the amount of overlaps of turf at the end of each run of turf and when there is an overlap, it is an overlap of turf and turf not turf and concrete or turf and a fence – making it much easier to cut. The diagram below illustrates this:

• The turf will be laid in sectors, ensuring that each sector maintains the desired preparation quality. This prevents the preparation of the site being destroyed by traffic (by both foot and machinery).
• All pieces turf should be closely butted up with each other. It is best to lay the individual pieces of turf in a brick like pattern, this ensures that there is a leading edge to follow. Stagger the joints in each row in this brick like fashion using a sharp knife or shovel to trim corners etc (avoid leaving small strips at outer edges, as they will not retain moisture).
• Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching and avoid gaps (between pieces, slabs or rolls) or overlaps.
• Try to avoid using any piece of turf any smaller than 400mm x 400mm (this provides a greater chance of survival for that piece of turf and a more appealing uniform effect over the entire turfed area).
• On slopes, avoid walking or kneeling on the turf as much as you can, whilst it is being installed or just after watering.
• Once installed, roll the entire turfed area, this will improve the turf/soil contact and remove any unwanted air pockets. You can hire rollers from Hire companies such as Kennard’s Hire or Ready Hire.
• Avoid heavy traffic on your new lawn during the first 4 weeks, by doing so, this will give the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil & will ensure the turf remains level.
• Begin watering your lawn within 30 minutes of installation, as turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to prosper.