| turfing
an area |
|
step
1 - soil preparation
Ground preparation is essential if you are
to obtain satisfactory results.
We
recommend that you:
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Remove
all existing turf and weeds. This can be done by using a safe
herbicide – ideally weeds should be cleared 7 to 10 days
before turfing. |
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Rotary
hoe or spade the soil to suitable depth or if the area requires
excavation, inquire about a bobcat service. |
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Ensure
the area is free of any debris such as sticks and stones. |
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Cover
the area with a good quality top soil and level out using a
rake |
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If
the ground is a clay substance, we recommend you spread gypsum
over the clay and under the top soil, by doing this, it will
help break down the clay. |
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To
firm the soil, roll the area lightly but do not compact it and
fill in any low spots. |
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| step
2 - measuring and ordering turf |
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Measure
your proposed lawn area accurately in square metres – see
below for our measuring guide (NB please add 5% to your final
calculations to cover wastage and cutting in of edges). |
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Be
ready to lay the turf within 12 - 48 hours of delivery |
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Ring
us on 55 477 699 with your measurements |
|
| square
or rectangle |
Measure
in metres the length and width of the square or rectangular
area. To calculate the required amount of turf in metres, multiply
the length by the width.
Eg: length 10 metres: width 5 metres = 10 x 5 = 50 square metres |
| circle |
Measure
in metres the diameter of the circular area. To calculate the required
amount of turf in square metres multiply 0.80 by the diameter and
then by diameter again.
Eg: diameter 9 metres 0.80 x 9 x 9 = 64.80 square metres |
| oval |
Measure
in metres the Length and width of the oval area. To calculate the
required amount of turf in square metres, multiply 0.80 by the length
and then by the width.
Eg: length 23 metres width 17 metres 0.80 x 23 x 17 = 312.80 metres |
| triangle |
| Measure
in metres the base and height of the triangular area. To calculate
the required amount of turf in square metres, multiply 0.50 by the
base and then by the height. Eg: base 40 metres height 25 metres 0.50
x 40 x 25 = 500 square metres |
| trapezoid |
Measure
in parallel sides (1) and (2) and height perpendicular to the parallel
sides. To calculate the required amount of turf in square metres,
multiply 0.50 by the sum of the two parallel sides and then by the
height.
Eg: parallel side (1) 30 metres parallel side (2) 50 metres height
20 metres 0.50 x (30 + 50 = 80) x 20 = 800 square metres |
| unusual
shapes |
| Measure
metres by firstly dividing area into sections of regular shapes ie:
circle, square and triangle. To calculate the required amount of turf
in square metres apply formulas above for each shape and if necessary
add together. |
| different
widths |
Measure
metres by firstly measuring the length of the longest axis across
the area. Every two metres along the length line measure the width
of the area at right angles to the length line. Total all widths,
divide by the nuber of width sections and multiply by length.
Eg: length 9 metres width (1) 3 metres width (2) 5 metres width (3)
4 metres
Total widths is 12 (3 + 5 + 4) divide by 3 (# of widths) = 4 x 9 (length)
= 36 square metres |
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example
1 - unusual shapes
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example
2 - different widths
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step
3 - laying your new lawn
Ensure the ground preparation has been completed
and the under soil is level and firm. We recommend you evenly distribute
a starter fertiliser over the area to be turfed. By doing this, it
will provide the root structure with the required nutrients to bind
with the soil |
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Start
by laying the first row along a straight edge such as the garden
edge, path or driveway. |
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Continue
on laying each slab in a common brick pattern and remember to
stagger the joints in each row. |
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Make
sure all joins are butted tightly together avoiding any overlapping
or spaces between slabs of turf. |
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Use
a large knife or shovel to shape and trim excess turf around
trees, garden edges etc. |
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After
installation and initial watering, roll turf lightly to eliminate
air pockets and to ensure contact between turf and soil. |
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As
turf is a living plant you must begin watering your new lawn within
30 minutes of installation. Turf requires ground contact and moisture
to survive
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| Some
advice to help you keep your lawn grub free and in excellent conditions
all year round. |
| when
to mow ? |
|
Mow
when the turf can not be lifted, or as a guideline, 10 – 14 days
after installation in warm weather or 14 – 28 days in cold weather.
Mow when the turf is dry and ensure your mower blades are sharp.
Preferably never remove more than one third of the leaf blade, or
as a guide; maintain a height of approximately 30 – 40mm. At
this height the turf will retain moisture and nutrients, low mowing
will damage the lawn.
For the first couple of mows, mow in the same direction as the turf
was laid, as this will prevent scalping. Mowing frequently will help
produce a healthy, lush green lawn……
A special note for clients with Velvetene Turf - Never mow Velvetene
too short in any one mow. Drop mowing heights gradually until you
have reached desired length. |
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| when
to walk on ? |
| Avoid
heavy traffic on your new lawn during the first 4 weeks, by doing
so, this will give the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the
soil and will ensure the turf remains level. |
| when
to water ? |
We
recommend the use of Rainsaver Crystals under your new turf. Upon
installation, completely soak the turf with at least 25 mm of water
and check that the water has seeped through the turf and into the
soil below within the first hour of laying your new lawn.
A little hint to save water is to place a cup 2 metres away from the
sprinkler, when there is 25mm of water in the cup, move the sprinkler
to another area.
Ensure the turf is kept watered for the first 3 weeks, by doing this,
the turf will establish its root system, ideally water twice daily
for the 1st week, then once a day for the 2nd week and every 2nd to
3rd day for the next week.
Weather conditions dictate the amount and frequency of watering, be
certain that your new turf has enough moisture to survive hot, dry
or windy periods. Reflected heat from buildings dries turf out quickly,
be sure to water these areas more often.
If there are any signs of the turf drying out, i.e. gaps appearing
between the joins in the turf, water immediately. NB: please allow
for some shrinkage when the turf is first laid.
Once fully established (approximately 8 weeks), the turf should be
watered when necessary and during hot weather every second day, this
produces a more drought, tolerant lawn. |
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|
when
to fertilize ? |
To
maintain a healthy vigorous lawn, we recommend you fertilize every
6 – 8 weeks all year round or the start of each season. When
fertilizing your lawn, apply approximately 30g per square metre and
remember to water in well.
To help hold the colour of your lawn during winter, you can fertilize
in late autumn using a combination of organic and slow release fertilizers.
For lush green lawns, you will need to fertilize every 12 weeks with
Organic Life. |
| lawn
grubs ? |
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Signs
that you might have lawn grubs in your lawn are:
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In
the early morning there will be birds feeding off the lawn |
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The
lawn is showing signs of dead patches in random areas |
To rid of
lawn grubs you can buy Lawn Grub Killer |
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