Preparing for Turf

by Rolawn

Turf & Lawn Facts

Preparing for your new Rolawn turf

Identification
1. Do you know how much turf you need?
2. Have you prepared your soil for turf?
3. Do you know how to water and fertilise your soil before the turf arrives?

If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions, the following information should ensure that your new turf remains as beautiful as the day it arrives.

General Description

Your new turf will grow best when your soil is prepared in such a way as to encourage deep, rapid rooting. Buying excellent quality turf is not enough on its own to ensure a beautiful lawn. You must prepare your soil. Poor soil and poor soil preparation will cause the turf to decline and may even result in the death of the turf. Mixing in fertiliser and adding water to your soil prior to laying the turf will ensure successful establishment. The incorporation of Rolawn Blended Loam can prove beneficial in improving existing soil quality. Blended Loam is also excellent for levelling areas for laying turf onto.

How much turf should you order?

1. Draw a sketch of the area you want to lay turf on to.
2. Draw rectangles over your sketch (they should not overlap). Do this even if your lawn is a circular or oval shape.
3. Whilst standing in the area due to be turfed, mark out the corners of your rectangles on the ground. In the case of an irregular shaped lawn, adapt the rectangles as closely as possible to the shape of the lawn.
4. Measure and record on your sketch, the lengths and widths of all your rectangles.
5. Calculate the area of each rectangle: length (metres) X width (metres) = area (sq. metres).
6. Add the areas of all rectangles. This is approximately the amount of turf you will need.
7. Add 5% extra for shaping, cutting, waste etc. There is a calculator on www.rolawn.co.uk to help you work out how much you need.

How to prepare your soil for new turf

1. Your soil should be turned over or cultivated to at least 100mm deep, ideally 150mm. It is best to do this when the soil is fairly dry. Rake over to obtain a fine tilth. This will ensure good contact with the turf when it is laid. 'Heel' in well and repeat 2 or 3 times.
2. Apply a base starter fertiliser to the soil. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. As a general guide, look for a fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for example, a 7:7:7 formulated fertiliser. Rake or till the fertiliser into the top 25mm of the soil.
3. Rake the soil smooth and remove all stones and other debris (greater than 6mm) and any perennial weeds.
4. Two days before the turf is to arrive, water the soil to a depth of 75mm (3in) to make the soil moist.