subject: What Is The Correct Way To Lay Turf [print this page] Laying turf is a good way to create a brand new lawn. It can replace damaged areas of a lawn. Areas with too many weeds and bare areas can be replaced as well. Before you can put down your new or repaired lawn the ground needs to be prepared the right way.
When you receive your order unroll a little and shake it. If it falls apart it is too dry and is starting to biodegrade. The grass should be full and green and the soil still moist. It should be placed no more than 24 hours after being cut, so put it down as soon as possible. The same day as you get it is best. This way it will be in top condition.
Before placing your order the ground should be prepared. All weeds need to be removed. Any rocks or stones that can interfere with root establishment should also be removed. Take up the existing turf. And use a cultivator on the remaining soil to make an even surface with no clumps. Do this to a depth of about three inches. You can do this by hand with a shovel and rake, or rent a cultivator for the day. Fertilize and water the soil once the cultivating is complete.
Mark the edge of your lawn with string so that you lay it in a straight line. You can use stakes to run the string on and as guides. When laying your turf overlap the edges by a little less than half an inch. In this way you will avoid possible gaps and it will grow together.
Place them one row at a time. Do not place them exactly the same on each row. Use a brick layer pattern so there are no visible lines showing the rows of placement. Place a plank across a row once it is completed. Do this with each row one at a time so there are no foot prints in the new grass or on the soil that has been prepared. This will also ensure that each row is in complete contact with the soil underneath.
The warm weather of spring and fall are the ideal conditions for putting it down. Summer is too hot and can cause shrinking. It can be done in the winter as long as the ground isn't frozen but doesn't promote growth. The warm weather and moisture will allow for root better establishment.
Keep it moist and undisturbed for at least three weeks. Once you see the new grass growing you can mow the lawn. Do not do so before then as you may disturb the turf and keep it from establishing new roots. Follow the steps and you can have a great new lawn.
