Site Preparation
The quality of your site preparation will determine the quality of your new lawn. The flatter and smoother the area is before the turf is laid the higher quality your lawn will be.
Step 1 - Pre-Site Preparation
- Remove all vegetative matter.
- Spray (with Round Up or Glyphosate) all weeds. It is recommended that the area to be laid is sprayed with Glyphosate to remove all weeds. Be sure to use correct protective gear when spraying and leave for a minimum of 7, preferably 14, days prior to laying turf.
- Remove all rubbish and debris (building rubble, cement and other materials).
- Allow for a drainage management system within the turfed area (have a plan as to where any excess water will flow to).
- All underground infrastructure is to be clearly defined and marked to the preparation team, if this is not done damage may occur and is the responsibility of the land owner.
Step 2 - Preparation
- Depending on the size of the area organise a Bobcat, Dingo or Hard workers to help prepare the site for turf.
- Incorporate a minimum of 50 mm of topsoil throughout the entire area.
- The topsoil should be specified as Screened ORGANIC Turf Underlay Soil.
- The area should be raked clean of any rocks and debris then smoothed (preferably screeded) to desired levels.
- The spreading of the soil needs to create the desired landscape (flat and level or undulating hills depending on the desired result). Note – any undesired rises or falls will be magnified by the turf and may result in drainage problems.
- To ensure the turf and any hard-scape areas are flush the topsoil should be approximately 25-30mm below the hardscape (concrete, kerbs, pavers etc) height, for roll down lawn, 10mm for stolons. Plasterer’s sand is a very good, economic filler that will not cause a layering effect or inhibit water penetration.
- Watering Systems: This is when reticulation is installed or an existing system checked for accuracy of coverage and pressure. The sprinkler heads should be positioned about 20mm above the surface of the soil to allow for the height of the lawn.
- The area needs to be consolidated so that you can walk across it and not leave imprints with your feet. This can be achieved using a roller or by applying water to the area.
Step 3 - Pre-Installation
- Water retention products are recommended. Water Crystals can be included in installation packages and are also available for purchase through many suppliers.
- A slow release organic fertiliser is recommended to be spread evenly over the area to be turfed. Organic fertiliser can be included included in the price of installation packages or alternatively available for purchase through the installer. Price may be approximately $25.00 / 25kg bag (25kg per 100m2 ). Note – DO NOT USE chemical fertilizers underneath your new turf. They have too much nitrogen and burn the turf.
Step 4 - Arrange Delivery of your new turf.
