A Guide to Choosing and Preparing to Lay Turf

An attractive lawn forms the focal point of any garden and also offers many other benefits, including a safe place for children to play and a positive boost for the environment.

If you have decided to lay a lawn or replace an old grassed area with fresh turf then there are a number of things to take into consideration before you start. This article provides you with advice on choosing the right turf for your garden and lifestyle and then once you have done so, preparing to lay the turf.
The first thing you need to do is decide which type of turf is best for your needs and this will depend on the conditions in your garden and the intended use of the grassed area.

Families with children or pets, or those who like to make the most of their garden, should select turf that can withstand a heavy flow of traffic. However, if your aim is to turn the neighbours' heads with a feature lawn then you may choose something more ornamental and less hardwearing. Ask your turf supplier for advice; any company worth their salt will be able to provide you with guidance on the best turf for your needs.

Secondly you will need to work out how much turf you need. Renowned turf supplier Rolawn has a very useful calculator tool on their website: http://www.rolawn.co.uk/product-calculator.html. Alternatively why not find out whether your local turf supplier offers a free advisory service so that you can be sure you are buying the right quantity?

Your next job is to make sure that you prepare your area fully as once delivered, the turf will need to be rolled out immediately in the spring or summer months or within 24 hours in the autumn and winter.

If your natural soil is not up to scratch or you wish to raise the level of your grassed area then you will need to spread a good sandy loam topsoil. Ensure your surface is flat and even, and water the soil around two days before you lay the turf.

The last point in this guide to choosing and preparing to lay turf is to ensure you have made arrangements so that your turf delivery goes as smoothly as possible. Most delivery companies will use a tail-lift van to offload your turf. Make sure they know in advance of any access or parking problems at the point of delivery so that they will be well prepared.

We hope you have found this turfing guide useful. The next stage, laying turf, is covered in our separate guide to laying turf.
Summary

Laying a lawn or replacing an old grassed area with fresh turf? There are a number of things to consider before you start. This article provides advice on choosing the right turf and preparing to lay the turf once you have made your decision.