Turfing new lawns
The
following turf laying tips have been provided by John Ransley of RANSLEY
TURF.
Turf is a living product. Unlike factory produced products it
has it's own characteristics. There are no absolutes, circumstances such
as weather, soil types and general TLC can change the outcomes.
There is no substitutes for common sense. Experts don't exist. These comments
are based on 33 years of observation and experience dealing with turf
from the farms where it is grown to the garden where it is installed.
You need 150mm depth of loose, fine and clean topsoil. This can be achieved
by digging (if your feeling fit!), rotovating, adding fresh soil or a
mixture of the two elements. Remove any debris and vegetation so that
the turf can have intimate contact with the soil. It may not be necessary
but adding a pre-turf fertiliser gives added results. Rake and level the
soil to a fine tilth as if you are preparing a seed bed.
In especially hot and dry weather, it is a good idea to dampen the ground
prior to installation.
Start from one side of the garden and lay one full row of turf. Use boards
(scaffold or ply) to lay on the turf. You can then add your next row whilst
compacting what you have already laid . Stagger the joints like brickwork.
Move the boards as you continue working across the garden. If you only
require small borders than its easier to cut these to shape once the lawn
has established. For larger borders use string lines or marker paint and
cut the turf to shape. The best tool to cut the turf with is a knife with
a serrated edge. This is quickest and gives a smart edge.
Most people underestimate the amount of water needed and overestimate
the amount of water applied. 15 litres of water per square metre is required
to equal 12mm of rainfall. An oscillating sprinkler will cope with an
average garden. Stand a small container such as a jar near the sprinkler
will cope with most average size gardens. This will enable you to monitor
the amount of water applied.
Shortcuts and omissions in this step are probably the biggest and most
common mistakes made. If the weather is hot and dry, water the turf directly
after installation. Do not water the turf before laying.
Good Luck!
Address:
290 Kingsnorth Road
Ashford Kent.
TN23 9LU
FAX:
01233
629010
PHONE:
0800
096 1617
