If you have existing grass this will require spraying with Roundup and left approx 1 week. Rotary hoe the area you are going to turf and rake out all debris. You may wish to install new soil to correct levels in your yard.

Look at the ‘lay’ of the land. Does it slope? Is it higher on one side than the other? Do you have any dips or large holes in places? If your answer is ‘yes’ to any of these, then you may need to spend some time levelling your yard. Fill in any dips or large holes with soil and try to level out any major differences in height. It is ideal if you do leave a slight slope heading towards drains so that if there is a storm, the water can quickly run-off.

You will need to allow approximately 10mm (or 1cm) gaps between the ground and any existing paths, driveways, paved areas, etc. This is so that the grass will be level with these areas after installation. Note: be careful of pipes, electrical conduit or telephone lines around your house before you start to level out your yard.

If you are going to ‘top up’ existing soil, ensure that the final height is 10mm (or 1cm) below paths etc before laying the turf. Ensure that you remove all stones, sticks and other debris from the yard. Smooth the top of the soil by raking.

Consider installing an underground irrigation system for efficient watering.

It is recommended to check that your soil is in optimal condition to provide your new turf with the nutrients that it will require to establish well. This can be donw by having a soil sample tested in the laboratory and a Nutritional Analysis Report (NAR) prepared. The desirable pH should be around 6.5 and the organics level should be around 3. Rochedale Turf's qualified horticulturists can assist with this process.

A pre plant fertiliser should be applied prior to the installation of your turf. This is different to a maintenance fertiliser because turf requires more phosphorous in establishment. A quality turf fertiliser is recommended. Rochedale Turf can assist you with most suitable input.

Laying your new turf:

1. Rotary hoe the area you are going to turf and rake out all debris.

2. Spend some time levelling your yard.

3. Ensure the surface area is flat and prepared. Start at a straight line, such as along a driveway, garden bed or footpath.

4. Turf should be staggered, eg lay next slab across half way down previous slab, making sure all of the joints are butted together. Do not leave spaces between strips of turf or stretch out the turf. Just fold out from one end to the other. Gently pat down to smooth out bumps and air pockets.

5. Use a large, sharp knife for shaping turf around trees, garden beds or along borders.

6. Use a roller to smooth out the installed turf prior to watering. You can hire this from most hire companies.

7. Completely saturate the turf after you have laid it. It is important to continue saturating the turf over the next 7 – 10 days to ensure that the roots establish well. Check the root growth every few days by lifting a corner of the slab – when you can no longer lift the slab up, the turf has become established and normal watering can now take place.

Congratulations! Your new lawn is in place.

For information on how to maintain your new lawn, please click here.