Turfing an Area

Step 1 - soil preparation

Ground preparation is essential if you are to obtain satisfactory results.
We recommend that you:

• 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.
• Rotary hoe or spade the soil to suitable depth or if the area requires excavation, inquire about a bobcat service.
• Ensure the area is free of any debris such as sticks and stones.
• Cover the area with a good quality top soil and level out using a rake
• 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.
• To firm the soil, roll the area lightly but do not compact it and fill in any low spots.

Step 2 - measuring and ordering turf

• 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).
• Be ready to lay the turf within 12 - 48 hours of delivery
• Ring your turf supplier 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

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

• Start by laying the first row along a straight edge such as the garden edge, path or driveway.
• Continue on laying each slab in a common brick pattern and remember to stagger the joints in each row.
• Make sure all joins are butted tightly together avoiding any overlapping or spaces between slabs of turf.
• Use a large knife or shovel to shape and trim excess turf around trees, garden edges etc.
• After installation and initial watering, roll turf lightly to eliminate air pockets and to ensure contact between turf and soil.

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

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.

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.

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:

• In the early morning there will be birds feeding off the lawn
• The lawn is showing signs of dead patches in random areas
  To rid of lawn grubs you can buy Lawn Grub Killer