Measuring Your Lawn

 Clearing site

• 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.