
When is the best time to lay turf?
It is best to avoid periods of high temperatures or drought. The lawn will require a lot of water and additional care and may be dry when delivered. This can make turf laying in July and August more challenging. In an ideal world turf should be laid when the ground is neither waterlogged or dry.
How do you lay turf on a lawn in the fall?
To stagger the turf, unroll each patch and cut it in half with a carpet knife. Lay the patches in one row so that the middle of the patches line up with the seams in the row next to it. Pack down the turf once it’s laid out. Continue laying rows of turf across the lawn until it’s all covered.
How long after delivery can I Lay the turf?
Try to lay the turf within 24hrs of delivery. If turf cannot be laid immediately after delivery ensure that turf rolls are kept moist and in the shade. When laying turf: The soil should have a degree of moisture content.
How long should you wait to walk on new turf?
Over-watering can also kill the grass by causing cause air pockets to form under the turf. Avoid stepping on the new turf for 2 to 3 weeks. Walking on the turf prematurely may disrupt the rooting process.

What is the best month to lay turf?
Turf can be laid any time of year except on to frozen ground, however ideal times to lay turf are in early-mid autumn and early spring, when the ground is relatively warm – which will promote new root growth – and increased rainfall may reduce the need for manual watering.
What should you put down before laying turf?
Spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. ... Firm the soil surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. ... Lay the turves on the soil, staggering the joints like brickwork and overlapping them slightly.More items...•
Can turf be laid on existing grass?
It is possible to lay new turf on top of old grass; however, you're not going to achieve the best possible result. Therefore, we highly recommend you never lay fresh turf on top of old turf; otherwise, your lawn's condition will deteriorate over time as the old grass dies.
How do you prepare the ground for turf?
How to prepare your soil for turfingClear away any plants, weeds and debris.Dig or rotovate soil to at least 15cm deep.Improve soil texture or quality if necessary.Level the area.Firm the soil.Add pre-turfing fertiliser.Rake and level again.Lay your turf.
Can I lay turf in January?
It's a common misconception that you cannot or should not lay turf during winter. Providing that you have properly prepared the soil and the ground isn't frozen, there's no reason why you can't lay turf during the winter.
Do I need topsoil before laying turf?
For best results, we would recommend that turf needs to be laid onto good quality, prepared topsoil at least 15cm (6 inches) deep. If the topsoil in your garden is either too shallow or is poor quality, it is wise to bring in more soil before you lay turf.
How long does turf take to root?
Turf roots can take up to 6 weeks to develop a strong root system. It takes around 2 weeks for the shallow root system to form. This means that you need to stay off the grass during this time to give it enough time to form its root system. You will need to give the turf at least 6 weeks to grow before the first frost.
Should I put sand down before laying turf?
As we've discussed earlier in the post, sand soil needs to be improved, first, before laying the sod. Choose a nice, dry (not too hot) day for the job. Below, you can read our step-by-step guide on how to lay the turf on sand so that your lawn thrives, even if your soil is not exactly on the foamy side.
Can you lay turf in March?
March can be a changeable month with temperatures from below freezing to low 20s. Either way, its a good month to lay turf in preparation for an established lawn ready for Spring use. If the weather is warm, the turf may need watering.
How thick should topsoil be for turf?
Turf ideally needs around four inches of top soil to root in. Not everyone will need to add four inches however, you may just need to add an inch or two depending on the quality and depth of the existing soil.
Can I lay turf in November?
Is it OK to be laying turf in November? You may be surprised to find that unlike sowing grass seed, turf can be laid at any time of year.
Where do you start laying turf?
0:163:28How To Lay Turf [Expert Guide] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we're ready to start laying the first turf ideally unroll the first turf along a straight edgeMoreNow we're ready to start laying the first turf ideally unroll the first turf along a straight edge or the longest border if you don't have a straight edge you can use a plank as a guide for your first
How to raise the level of a lawn?
Many models can be either pushed by hand or towed behind a tractor. Adding turf will raise the level of your lawn by about 2 inches (5 cm), so pack your existing soil or turf down by at least that much. Rake a granular fertilizer over the surface of the soil. A granular fertilizer is just a non-liquid fertilizer.
What to do if your soil is too acidic?
If your soil is too acidic (low pH), add some ground limestone to the soil. Garden lime can be bought in most garden supply stores. If your soil is too alkaline (high pH), add garden sulfur or some type of acidic mulch, such as pine needles. Some soil testing kits also allow you to check your soil’s nutrient levels.
Who is Benjamin Hansen?
This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification. This article has been viewed 130,901 times.
Can I lay turf in winter?
Frozen ground is not good for turf, so if a cold spell is coming, you might want to delay laying a new lawn slightly – remember also that if your soil is frozen, ours probably is too, so we might not be able to harvest fresh turf at that time!
Can I lay turf in summer?
For many people, summer is the time of year when you want to be outside working in the garden, and laying a new turf lawn can quickly give you some space for entertaining – but it does take extra care to bed a turf lawn in during hot weather.
When is the best time of year to lay turf?
So we’ve covered when you can lay turf, and we’ve looked at when you shouldn’t lay turf – but when is the BEST time of year to lay turf?
Can I lay turf in a heat wave?
Laying turf in a heat wave is not advisable but if it’s unavoidable, then with plenty of care and attention you can still get a good result – you just might need to hold your nerve.
When to lay turf: FAQs
Yes, you can lay turf at any time of year, although it is better to lay turf in milder, damper months such as springtime
How to lay turf
The best time to lay turf is during spring or autumn, when rain will help the new grass establish roots in time for summer sun or winter frosts. Prepare the ground by removing weeds and raking it level, then lay the turf so it overlaps slightly. Water it well and keep watering every few days so it establishes well.
Step 1
Spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. Prepare the area, levelling the ground and removing big stones. If the surface is uneven, wheelbarrow in some topsoil, pour it on top and even it out with a rake.
Step 2
Firm the soil surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. Fill any freshly-created dips with topsoil and compress again with your feet. Give the surface a final rake over.
Step 3
Lay the turves on the soil, staggering the joints like brickwork and overlapping them slightly. If it’s a big area, work off a plank of wood to avoid walking on the turf.
Step 4
To create a clean edge, cut off any excess turf with a spade or sharp knife. Bang the turves all over with the back of the rake to ensure they make contact with the soil before giving the whole area a good water.
Step 5
It will take a few weeks for your lawn to establish and in that time it’s essential you don’t let the turves dry out; so water them regularly. Start mowing when the grass is 2.5cm – 5cm high, never removing more than one third of the total height of the grass at a time.
How thick should a top dressing be?
Washed river sand or turf underlay should be used for the top dressing and should be no more than 10 – 12mm thick. The lead of the turf should be visible after the top dressing.
How much rain does Brisbane get in July?
And as Brisbane’s average rainfall between July and December ranges from 100mm – 300mm a month making these times not ideal for turf laying due to soft ground issues when wet and fragile ground issues when dry .
How long does it take to lay grass seed?
Remove any existing turf or weeds that may be there as well by using a Sprayer with Glyphosate (Roundup) no less than 14 days before laying down your new grass seed.
Why is it important to lay turf?
Laying turf is also a great way to reduce water use, save time and money on maintenance, and create an attractive new area of lawn.
What is the most durable grass?
Sir Walter Buffalo. One of the most durable, stress-resistant grass types is Sir Walter buffalo. Sir Walter turf thrives with pet and kids in your backyard, as it can withstand some serious wear without wilting or becoming too dry to walk on. It also recovers quickly if damaged!
What is the best grass to grow in Australia?
Kikuyu. Kikuyu is one of the most popular grasses for home lawns in Australia, but it’s not exactly your typical low-maintenance variety. It thrives on neglect and grows so fast that you can expect to be running over with a lawnmower at least once per week during spring, summer, and well into autumn.
When is the best time to lay turf?
The ideal time of year will depend on your climate region, although typically October-November or March–April are best.
How high should I lay back a stacked lawn?
Lay back the properly stacked lawn (sod), it should be sitting approximately 1inch (25mm) higher than required new finished lawn level. Lay a scaffold-board over the top of the reinstalled lawn (sod). Shuffle along the board a few times, this will ensure you get good contact between the lawn (sod) and the soil underneath.
How often should I water my lawn after bringing it up to grade?
Sprinkle a thin layer (¼ to ½inch / 6.25 to 12.5mm) of compost over the area you've finished bringing up to grade. Water once a day for the next 7 days, so the area remains moist (but not saturated). After that time, water your entire lawn as you would normally. Share.
How high should I lay sod?
Carefully lay back your sod, the sod should sit approximately 1 inch (25mm) above your finished required level ie The relaid sod should be sitting high. Lay a scaffold board (or similar) over the relaid sod, shuffle up and down the board a few times.
