Laying
your new turf
Preparation of site prior to laying turf
Soil should be a good organic loam or sandy soil with a
depth of at least 100mm. If existing soil is of poor quality or
insufficient depth then add topsoil. Use a reputable supplier
and request a screened loam to avoid stones/clods.
Do not spread introduced soil onto a compacted base. The
base soil should be well rotovated to allow a gradual
blending of soils.
The soil should be raked level with any weeds, large stones
or clods removed as these can prevent simultaneous rooting.
This is important as stressed plants can be overcome by
weeds and weed grasses or die if deprived of contact with
the base soil.
Once a smooth, lightly consolidated surface is achieved it is
recommended that an application of pre-turfing fertiliser
(available from Harrowden Turf) is applied to the soil and
raked into the surface.
Receiving delivery
The turf should be inspected upon delivery. In the unlikely
event of any defects, these should be brought to the
attention of the supplier immediately and, in any case, not
more than 12 hours after delivery has taken place.
Delivery should be arranged so that turf arrives on the day
it will be laid.
Precautions
The turf should be laid immediately when it arrives on
site. Enough labour should be made available to have laid
the turf within 3-4 hours of arrival.
Turf should not be laid on frozen soil. Frost should be
allowed to lift before laying commences.
Turf should not be laid onto waterlogged soil.
Turf should be removed equally from all stacks as
work progresses.
Turf which is slightly yellowing should be laid and
watered immediately.
If turf cannot be laid on the day of arrival, it should
be unrolled in a shaded area and watered well.
Harrowden Turf Specifications
Laying turf
Tools for the job: Shallow tine rakes, scaffold planks, sharp
knives and/or turf edging irons
Using a rake, break the surface of the soil to form a
fine tilth.
Position the first row of turves making sure the ends
are butted very tightly together.
Use a sharp knife/edging iron to shape the ends and
conserve any off-cuts for patching.
When the first row is laid, place a scaffold plank on
top, this will:
1. Act as a straight edge for the next row.
2. Avoid indentations caused by walking on newly
laid turf.
3. Evenly distribute the compression weight for good
soil to turf contact.
When laying the next row, stagger the joints (like brickwork)
to prevent long gaps if shrinking occurs.
When the line is complete, move the plank onto it and carry
on this way until the area is complete.
Watering
Start watering using a sprinkler as soon as possible,
preferably within an hour of laying (on large areas begin
watering newly laid turf as work continues).
In dry conditions, watering should take place morning and
evening until well rooted and thereafter as grass indicates
requirements.
Sheet 24b