Once you have measured and are ready to prepare your site for a new lawn it all comes down to preparation. Like many tasks the prep can make a big difference to the final product.
Complete the rest of your garden first
The turf should always be the last thing to go into a new garden area. If you’re doing a complete garden renovation or creating a brand new garden, complete all other aspects of the garden first, garden edges, retaining walls and paths.
Clear the ground and check your soil type
Remove any existing vegetation and check if existing soil type is suitable or needs improving. For clay soils add gypsum, sandy soils add organic material, acid soils add lime and alkaline soils add sulphur. A pH in the right range of 6 to 7.5 is a bit like a plant with its mouth wide open, no food will go to waste here and it will all be eaten by the plant. Click here to read our article on pH levels.
Spread a quality turf underlay
Turf underlay is a particular blend of topsoil and organic materials, blended to give your new lawn the optimum balance of nutrients and minerals it needs for the roots to establish well. You can order a premium underlay from your local soil supply yard, and have it delivered before you lay your turf or on the same day. Spread the underlay evenly to a depth of approximately 100-150mm. This is also the best time to check levels to ensure the desired fall for drainage.
Check the site levels and drainage
Check if the site needs excavating or filling and also look out for drainage issues and install ‘ag pipe’ (agricultural drainage pipe) if necessary. If you find that you do need to excavate and imported soil is required, allow 100-150mm for soil. Now you have the best-prepared area to lay your turf!
Now it’s time to lay the turf.
