The right preparation and installation is an important step to getting a lush lawn. Check out our tips below.
Already have an established lawn? See our lawn care advice here.
Measure your area
Before ordering your lawn, we need to know how much you require in m2. It's easy to measure your own area, just start with a plan of where you are planning to install turf. Break up the areas into basic shapes such as squares, rectangles and circles and measure each area with the formulas below
Measuring a square or rectangle
Measure the length and width of the square, then multiply them together (area = W x L)
Example – If the height is 4 metres and the width is 6 metres: 4m x 6m = 24m2
Measuring a triangle
Measure the height and base, then multiply the height by half of the base (area = ½b x h)
Example – If the height is 9 metres and the base is 10 metres: 9m x 5m = 45m2
Measuring a circle
d = diameter, r = radius Measure the diameter of the circle, then divide this by two to calculate the radius. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply the total by 3.14. (area = r x r x 3.14)
Example – If the diameter is 12 metres, the radius will be 6 metres; multiply 6 metres by 6 metres, then multiply the total by 3.14: 6 x 6 = 36. 36 x 3.14 = 113.04m2
Soil Preparation
Good soil preparation is the key to maintaining a great lawn. It's best to start with an understanding of your current soil type, as this will determine if you need soil conditioners such as gypsum and which underlay will be best to bring in.
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If you have a clay soil, we recommend applying a clay breaker such as gypsum.
If you have a sandy soil, you will need to apply some organics
Kill off any existing vegetation using glyphosate or a similar non-selective herbicide. You may need 2 applications to ensure all existing vegetation is completely eradicated.
Hoe in and turn over the existing base and remove any excess vegetation that has been sprayed out.
Bring in 100mm to 150mm of fresh soil base and add any soil conditioning such as gypsum.
To calculate how much soil you require multiply your m2 area by the depth required - this will give you the metre cubed amount of soil you need.
For example 60m2 x 0.15 (150mm) = 9m3
Finally, its time to get your levels correct. When looking to lay turf flush with an edge, keep your soil about 30-40mm below this height to allow for the thickness of the turf. Smooth out the rest of your soil, remembering to factor in drainage as you do so.
How to prepare your soil for a new lawn video
Laying your new lawn
Use a spade or shears to shape turf around edges and trees. Do not throw away excess pieces until you are satisfied you have covered all areas.
Laying lawn is the easy part!
Spread a starter fertiliser such as Lawn Launcher to the base and rake in lightly. Ensure all soil is smooth and ready for turf and remember to keep in mind drainage and water flow.
When your turf arrives, try to get it laid as soon as possible. If it's a hot day, make sure you water each section as you lay it to avoid drying the turf out.
Start laying turf on a straight edge at the furthest point to your access and lay back towards the exit, so you are not working over fresh turf. Lay turf in a brickwork pattern, butting edges together. If you are working on a slope, lay turf across the slope.
Once complete, roll the turf to ensure good contact with the soil and top dress the joins and edges with a bit of soil. Give the fresh new turf a deep water immediately.
How to lay a new
lawn video
Establishing a new lawn
Your new lawn requires a bit of special care for the first 6-8 weeks. This is to ensure that it establishes good, deep roots and transforms into a great full lawn.
The most crucial aspect in the first month is to water your lawn well so it can establish and remain healthy. It is essential your new lawn rolls don't dry out, so we recommend to water 2-3 times daily. Don't be alarmed if the corners and edges of the turf pieces begin to yellow slightly, this is pretty common with new lawns.
Try to keep traffic off your new lawn as much as possible until it has rooted in. After about 4-8 weeks (depending on the time of year) your lawn will be ready for its first mow. Before doing this, ensure you can not lift any of the lawn up to ensure they have rooted into the soil.
When you are mowing for the first time, mow on a slightly higher setting than normal then slowly bring it down to your preferred height over the next 2 or 3 mows. Continue watering a couple of times per week over this period to ensure the turf doesn't dry out.
After about 6 weeks your lawn will be due for a fertilise to really finish the establishment period off. It's easy to order this with your lawn, so you're prepared for your first fertilise.