Existing Lawn/weeds should be moved by:

• Spraying with a complete weed control e.g roundup, carefully following the guidelines on the products label. Do not rotavate untill 10 days after spraying roundup
  
  
  OR
  
  
• Cut under the grass/weeds with a spade removing  all sods and clods.

Preparing the Soil:

• Soil needs to be turned over to a depth of 15cm. This can be achieved by either digging over the area or by using a rotavator (available at hire shops)
• Ensure the area is free of any debris, stones, weeds or old turf.

Raking

The ground should be raked over to produce a smooth surface. At this stage the ground  may be lightly rolled or firmed by foot to reveal any soft areas which then can be raked level. This process should be carried out until the ground is evenly firm and smooth. A wide rake makes levelling easier. The ground should be firm but not compact.

Fertiliser 

A pre-turfing fertiliser should be applied over the soil.
Fertiliser can be ordered with your turf and application rates should be followed for best results.

Ordering

Measure your proposed lawn area accurately in square metres. Turf is supplied in 1 sq metre rolls for easy laying. As turf is cut to order, you should contact us giving us as much notice of delivery date as possible and in any case at least 48 hours. Ensure you give full details of the amount of  turf required, your name, address, telephone number and the date required. Turf should be laid within 24 - 48 hours of delivery, therefore the preparation work should be carried out in advance of the  turf arriving

Laying the Turf

Start by laying the first row along the longest straight line and work across the area staggering the joints in each row – as in brickwork. Butt and push the edges and ends against each other but do not stretch the turf too much.

Avoid using small strips at the edges as these might dry out and perish. Use a sharp knife or half moon spade to cut the end of a row.

Avoid walking on newly laid turf – boards can be placed down for working on, or walking along.
Ensure that the turf has full contact with the soil.

Watering the turf

Newly laid turf must be watered within half an hour of installation.
Give the turf a really good soaking and check that the water has seeped through the turf and into the soil below ( turn up a corner to check that this has happened ) This watering must be repeated until the turf has established. Weather conditions will dictate the frequency of watering required. Ensure that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot dry and windy weather. If laid during hot periods, watering should be repeated at least three times each day, otherwise twice daily should be sufficient.

Mowing

We recommend that you do not mow your new lawn until it has rooted. This can be easily checked by lifting  a corner of the turf to see if the roots have attached to the soil. Your lawn mower should be set at a high setting  - It is important  that the lawn is not scalped during early mowings. Mow your new lawn often, each time removing a third of the grass height. Once established  the grass height can be reduced gradually to your ideal level. Optimum heights are between 15mm and 35mm.

Lawn Feeding

Feeding in the first 6 weeks will not be required as you have used a pre-turfing fertiliser. There are many lawn feeds available. Manufacturers instructions should always be carefully followed. Alternatively you can contact our lawncare company who can provide the service of feeding using professional products at a minimal fee to keep your lawn in excellent condition throughout the year. Tel 1890-252-075.