Lawn Preparation Guide

• Remove old Grasses and Weeds
• Excavation
• Top Soil
• Rotary Hoeing
• Measuring and Ordering
• Laying your new Lawn
• Watering your new lawn

Remove old grasses & weeds

All weeds and old grasses should be sprayed with roundup or a similar herbicide around 14 days prior to commencement of ground preparation.

Excavation

If your ground is hard and compacted and too high against driveways, paths etc you will need to have this removed. The excavated level should be around 150mm to 200mm below paths, driveways etc. If it is a large area the hiring of a bobcat and operator will make it easier on the back. The secret ingredient to a successful lawn is adequate drainage.

Top Soil

Assess your existing soils condition it is considered poor if it is compacted or has a high clay content this can be rectified by purchasing a good quality topsoil mix from your local landscape supplier. The top soil mix should generally be around 60% coarse river sand and 40% soil varying between different turf varieties and soil types. Please consult your local supplier or call us for more information.

If it is clayey you should apply some agricultural gypsum at a rate approximately 1kg per square metre Your area should now be ready to spread the new topsoil mix. Spread it over the entire area to be turfed at a depth of 100mm to 150mm more if desired, if there is no fertiliser in the soil it is good idea to use a starter fertiliser on top of the prepared area and lightly rake in.

If the area is not clayey or compacted, after spraying with round up leave for the same period as above. You can hire a Cultivator or Rotary Hoe from your local hire shop for large areas and work up the ground to a depth of 100mm to 200mm adding organic matter on sandier soils as you go. This can then be smoothed out with a rake. The ideal soil ph for turf grass is in the range of 5.5-6.5. Soil ph kits are available from most garden centres and are inexpensive.

Measuring and Ordering

With a metric tape measure the area to be turfed. Measure the length and then the width in metres and multiply the two measurements. Also include any odd shapes or unusual features to the nearest possible measurement. This should result in the total amount of turf required in square metres. The size of each roll of turf is 2.2mtrs long by 0.450m wide ( 1 square metre ). Call us on 1300 747 925 to place your order at least 1-2 days before delivery. It is important to arrange to have your turf delivered on the day you are planning to lay it. Please lay your turf immediately upon delivery as turf requires ground contact and moisture to survive.

Laying your new lawn

Begin by laying your new lawn around the outside of the area to be turfed, against pathways etc forming a border. Then continue by laying across any slopes you may have trimming excess turf at the border along the outside with a knife or a spade. Turf should be laid in a brickwork pattern for a neater finish, Butt and push the ends against each other tightly without stretching and avoid leaving gaps or overlapping. Note: on larger lawns it is better to complete small sections  by rolling turf as you go, so watering your new lawn can commence.

Watering your new lawn

Give your new lawn at least 25mm of water within 30 minutes of installation. Water daily (depending on weather conditions) keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted. Check turf regularly for signs of new roots by carefully lifting different spots, once turf can no longer be lifted watering can be spaced to once or twice a week. Be sure your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy conditions.