You must prepare the ground properly to create a lush, green lawn. Whether you’re laying turf or sowing grass seed, the success of your new lawn will depend on how well you prepare the ground. By preparing the ground properly, you’ll ensure that your lawn has a strong foundation to grow on, with good soil structure and drainage. If you’re wondering how to prepare ground for turf, this guide is for you!
How To Prepare Ground For Turf?
Preparing the soil is a crucial step in laying a new turf. It involves clearing the area, improving soil quality, and levelling and firming the ground. Here are the steps you can follow to prepare your soil:
Clearing the Area
Before preparing the soil, clear the area of debris, old turf, and weeds. Use a spade or a garden fork to remove large stones or rubble. If there are any weeds, you can either use a glyphosate-based weed killer or remove them manually. Make sure to remove the roots of the weeds to prevent them from growing back.
Improving Soil Quality
If you have poor soil, adding organic matter can improve its quality. Compost or well-rotted manure are good options for this. Spread a layer of organic matter over the soil and use a garden fork or a rotavator to mix it in. It will help to improve the soil structure and tilth.
You can add chemical nutrients to improve fertility if you have sandy soil. You can also add organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity.
Levelling and Firming
Once you have improved the soil quality, you must level and firm the ground. Use a rake to create a smooth and level surface. Make sure the soil is not too compacted or too loose. If the soil is compacted, use a garden fork to aerate it. If the soil is too loose, use a roller to firm it up.
Before laying the turf, you should also check for any bumps or hollows in the ground. Use a rake or a spade to fill in any hollows and remove any bumps. It will ensure that the turf is level and looks neat.
Before proceeding, refer to our guide on A Year-Round Guide to Landscaping Maintenance for additional insights into maintaining a healthy lawn.
Laying and Establishing Turf
Laying the Turf
Now that you have prepared the ground for laying turf, it’s time to lay it. Start by unrolling the turf along the longest straight edge of your lawn. Make sure to lay the turf in a brickwork pattern, staggering the joints like bricks. It helps to prevent the joints from lining up and creating visible seams in your lawn.
Once you have laid the first row of turf, use a turfing iron to cut the turf to fit around any curves or obstacles. Make sure to butt the edges of the turf tightly together to prevent any gaps from forming. Continue laying the turf this way until you have covered the entire area.
Lawn Care Post-Installation
After laying the turf, taking care of it properly is essential to ensure it establishes well and grows into a healthy lawn. For additional tips, follow our guide on When to Lay Turf in the UK.
The following are some tips for post-installation lawn care:
- Water the soil thoroughly immediately after laying the turf. Ensure to water deeply to encourage the roots to grow into the soil.
- Tread the turf lightly to ensure good contact between the roots and the soil. It helps to prevent the turf from drying out and ensures good rooting.
- Mow the lawn for the first time when the grass reaches a height of around 5-6cm. Set the mower blades high to avoid damaging the new grass.
- Avoid walking on the lawn for the first few weeks after installation to give the roots time to establish.
- If you notice any areas of the lawn that are not rooting well, you can use a fork to gently lift the turf and add some topsoil underneath to improve drainage and encourage rooting.
Tips to Keep the Turf Healthy
Once you have successfully prepared the ground for turf, it is essential to take care of it to keep it healthy. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy lawn:
1. Watering
Water the turf regularly to keep it hydrated. It is best to water the lawn early in the morning or late in the evening, reducing evaporation and ensuring the water reaches the roots. Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and disease, while underwatering can cause the turf to dry and die.
2. Mowing
Mow the lawn regularly to keep it at the right height. Cutting the turf too short can damage the roots and expose the soil while leaving it too long can cause it to become tangled and matted. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing the grass and causing damage.
3. Fertilising
Fertilise the turf regularly to provide it with the necessary nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Use a slow-release fertiliser to avoid burning the grass, and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Weed Control
Keep the lawn weed-free by pulling out any weeds as soon as they appear. It will prevent them from spreading and competing with the turf for nutrients. You can also use a weed killer, but make sure it is safe for use on turf and follow the instructions carefully.
5. Aeration
Aerate the lawn once a year to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction. It will help the roots to grow deeper and stronger and allow air and water to reach them more easily.
By following these tips, you can keep your turf healthy and looking great all year round.
