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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 |
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| 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 ? |
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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 ? |
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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