PREPARATION IS KEY:  Like any DIY job, never rush the prep.  From knowing how much turf you need to preparing the soil, thorough planning and preparation can make all the difference. 

TIMING: Technically you can lay turf at any time of year depending on the weather.  You want to avoid periods of hot weather without rain and low temperatures with frost and ice.  Normally the safest times to lay turf are Spring or Autumn, the frequent rain helps the roots get established before the heat of Summer or cold of Winter can cause damage.

MEASURE: Measure the area to work out how many m² you have to cover (turf comes in rolls which equate to 1 m²).  Never guess how much you need, always measure. As turf is a perishable product it should ideally be used within a couple of days, for this reason most companies will not stock turf and only order it in on demand.  For this reason, it is a good idea to book turf well in advance giving sufficient time for it to be ordered in for you.

GROUND PREPARATON: You are aiming to get a level and firm (but not compacted) area to lay your new turf.  Dig down to roughly a depth of 15cm turning the soil and removing any old turf, weeds, stones etc as you go.  Turf is a living thing and needs nutrients to thrive so now is an excellent time to add some to the soil, a granular fertiliser such as growmore is ideal. The thickness of a turf roll is approx. 25mm, if you need to raise the level of soil we would suggest using screened topsoil at this point.  Once done rake over the area to level it off. 

LAYING THE TURF: Use boards or planks to walk on the soil you have prepared (you should also use these if you need to walk on your newly laid turf).  Start at the longest area you are covering, turf can be cut to size but avoid using smaller pieces around the edge as they can dry out easier. Continue to roll out your turf creating an almost brickwork effect. Match the edges of the turf but do not tug or stretch them as this can cause damage.  Any rolls that overlap can simply be trimmed using a sharp knife or lawn edging tool.  Ensure the underside of each roll has good contact with the soil underneath.  Finally, thoroughly soak the entire area.  See our aftercare guide for more hints and tips on looking after your new lawn.