Do it yourself
Site Preparation
Turf TypesBefore ordering a particular grass check the following:
Measuring Your Amount of Turf
Laying Your New Lawn
Mowing and Maintenance
Fertilizing
- If the area to be turfed has existing lawn or weeds we recommend it be sprayed with Roundup to remove all existing vegetation. Wait 14 days before soil or rotary hoeing is done.
- Rotary hoe or cover area to be turfed with turf underlay or river sand to a depth of 100ml.
- Drainage must be installed if the area to be turfed is a wet area.
- If soil is clay, add gypsum prior to turf underlay or sand.
- Spread evenly & rake to approximately 20ml below paths and driveways.
- Spread dynamic lifter (Slow release fertilizer) or similar prior to laying turf to ensure the turf is established successfully.
- Turf, unlike seed can be laid year round.
Turf TypesBefore ordering a particular grass check the following:
- How much full sun or shade does the area get?
- Is the lawn to be a high traffic area / kids, dogs, pathways etc?
- How much work are you prepared to do to maintain your lawn?
- Do you live in a frost affected area?
- Is the soil and drainage adequate?
Measuring Your Amount of Turf
- Measure width and depth of an area to be turfed using a tape measure.
- Unusual shapes need to be averaged in relation to a square.
- Turf should be laid on the day of delivery to ensure best results.
Laying Your New Lawn
- Start at a straight line on any boundary (fence, driveway, path etc).
- Lay out the rolls as you would a carpet starting along the boundaries first.
- Butt all joins in each row to eliminate lines across your lawn (like brickwork).
- Use a sharp spade to cut around edges of trees, flower beds etc.
- Roll the grass to smooth out air pockets or bumps, alternatively hand water and walk on all the surfaces.
- Completely soak the whole area of turf laid with at least 25mm of water. (place an empty cup under a sprinkler and when half full you have adequately watered the area.
- Do not use your lawn for approximately 3 weeks for dog traffic or rough play to allow it to establish itself.
Mowing and Maintenance
- Do not mow until grass has been laid for 14 days (warm weather) longer in winter.
- Mow along laid strips until fully established and then North / South, East / West alternatively for an even lawn.
- Mow only when grass cannot be lifted from soil.
- Set mower to cut 20mm for Couch, 25mm for Kikuyu and 30mm for Buffalo.
- To maintain the best appearance for your lawn keep mower blades sharp.
Fertilizing
- Mow lawn prior to Spring feeding. Low spots will need to be top dressed with washed river sand, do not apply soil too deep as the grass will smother. Buffalo also responds well to fertilizing prior to the winter months.
- Do not let your new lawn become stressed, particularly in hot weather. One good deep watering is better than a short sprinkle every day.
- Remember well kept turf keeps your home and garden cooler, as well as increasing the market value of your home.