Clear the area of weeds, grasses and any other unwanted plants, paying particular attention to Kikuyu & Couch which are extremely invasive.
This is best done by spraying with a weed killer such as Roundup or Zero (Glyphosate) a minimum of ten to fourteen days prior to laying your new lawn.
Once it has all been killed, rotary hoe or spade the area to a depth of 100mm.
Remove any sticks, stones and roots.
Level and smooth the soil by raking.
Evaluate your soil
Many building sites will have had their top soil totally removed and if the clay subsoil is exposed the application of natural gypsum at a rate of 1 kilogram per square metre is recommended, followed by up to 200mm dressing soil mix.
Most turf varieties prefer and perform best on light sandy soil. In some locations where the subsoil has a high proportion of sand the application of an additional soil mix may be unnecessary. However in order to assist with the leveling of your lawn a fresh layer of soil mix is often useful.
A starter fertilizer containing water crystal applied to your site before the turf is installed is highly recommended. Check our lawn care products.
Laying of Turf
Start at a straight edge e.g.: driveway, path or fence.
Lay turf in a brick pattern.
Roll out turf, make sure that each roll of turf is butted tightly together, do not overlap edges.
Use a large, sharp knife to trim around trees and flower beds.
Rolling the turf will smooth out air pockets and bumps and will ensure good contact with soil.
Watering
Once the area has been turfed water immediately to prevent it from drying out. Water your turf to saturation point.
After the initial watering, water should be applied early morning and early afternoon for 7 to 10 days. More watering will be required in the hotter weather.
The lawn should then be watered once every second day in spring and summer after which a weekly water should be sufficient with the exception of Soft leaf buffalo which will need to be watered every day for the first 4 weeks.
Mowing
When the turf cannot be easily lifted, this indicates your lawns roots systems has begun to bind with the soil.
Mowing will be needed approximately 3 to 4 weeks after laying.
Fertilising
One month after laying fertilise your new lawn with a good lawn fertiliser. Check out our lawn care products section to choose from our suggested range of products. Fertilising should be done at least 4 times per year to ensure a good healthy lawn.
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