How to lay lawn turf correctly
A comprehensive guide on how to lay turf
How to lay turf for a beautiful lawn finish
Laying turf is the quickest way to achieve a beautiful, instant lawn. To get the best results, it’s important to prepare properly, care for turf on delivery, and follow correct laying and aftercare practices.
Preparing the Ground
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Clear the area: Remove old grass, weeds, stones, and debris.
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Soil depth: Dig over the ground to at least 15 cm (6 inches).
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Create a tilth: Leave 10–15 mm of loose soil (tilth) on the surface.
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Firmness test: Walk over the prepared soil, if your shoe sinks more than 10–15 mm, the soil is too soft and needs firming.
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Rake level: Rake the area to a smooth, level finish with no large clumps, hollows, or bumps.
Turf Delivery: What to Do Immediately
- Consider your delivery day: We recommend having your turf delivered within 12 hours of laying. Our team will be happy to liaise with you for best delivery slot if you’re unsure.
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Lay as soon as possible: Turf is a living product and should ideally be laid within 12 hours of delivery.
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Storage: If you cannot lay it straight away, keep rolls in a shaded, cool spot. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight.
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After 12 hours: Unroll turf onto a clean surface or prepared ground. Water lightly to prevent drying.
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If delay is longer: Water the turf regularly, especially in warm weather, until you are ready to lay. Turf should be installed within 12-24 hours of delivery to avoid deterioration.
Laying the Turf
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Start at the perimeter: Lay turf around the edges of your lawn area first.
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Use wooden planks: Always work from planks placed on the turf. This presses turf firmly onto the soil and prevents footprints.
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Stagger the joints: Lay in a brickwork pattern so seams don’t align.
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Push, don’t pull: Push turf rolls into place rather than stretching them. Stretching can cause gaps to appear later.
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Tight joints: Position planks along seams to press them down firmly against adjoining pieces.
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Trim edges neatly with a sharp knife.
Watering After Laying
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Water thoroughly: Once turf is laid, soak it well so moisture penetrates the soil beneath, but avoid creating a boggy surface.
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Multi-day projects: If your turfing takes several days, water each newly laid section as you go, and re-water previous areas daily.
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Hot weather tip: Water in the evening (after the sun sets) and again in the early morning before the sun rises. This reduces evaporation and helps prevent shrinkage.
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Problem spots: If you see turf shrinking or lifting at the joints, increase watering frequency in those areas.
First Weeks of Care
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Keep off the lawn: Avoid walking on the new turf for 2–3 weeks while roots establish.
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Check moisture daily: Lift a corner of turf to ensure the soil beneath is damp.
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Mowing: When grass reaches 5–7 cm (2–3 inches), mow for the first time. Never cut more than one-third of the grass height at once. Use a sharp mower blade.
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Feeding: After a few weeks, apply a lawn fertiliser to encourage strong root growth and a healthy green colour.
Long-Term Lawn Care
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Regular mowing to maintain the desired height.
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Seasonal feeding with spring/summer and autumn fertilisers.
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Aeration and scarifying as needed to relieve compaction and reduce moss.
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Watering during dry spells to prevent drought stress.
Follow these steps, and your new lawn will establish quickly, stay healthy, and look great for years to come. 🌿