Laying a new lawn

When to lay a lawn

Creating a new lawn from scratch is easy if you pick the right time of year and prepare the site thoroughly.

Turf will quickly establish on soil that is warm and moist - autumn is perfect as new turf will also be regularly watered by winter rain. Turf can also be laid in spring, but avoid this time of year if you live in an area hit by a hosepipe ban as new turf needs frequent watering to prevent grasses from being put under stress.

Buying turf

• A standard piece of turf will cover about one square metre and is best ordered from a reputable supplier who can deliver straight to your door.
• Choose good quality turf raised from seed - it is available in several grades, which suit different situations: domestic turf contains dwarf perennial ryegrass and is very hard wearing, while fine turf, contains grasses such as bents and fescues and is better for a showpiece landscaping project.
• In areas of low rainfall, try drought-tolerant turf.
• When turf arrives, stack rolls in a shady spot and if they appear dry, sprinkle with water.
• Aim to lay the turf within a day of delivery - if laying is delayed, open the rolls and water. Don't worry if they turn slightly yellow, they should quickly green-up once laid.

Laying turf

• Prepare the soil by skimming off any old grass, removing large stones and weeds, and then roughly levelling by flattening humps and filling hollows. Fork over the site and rake level to leave a fine finish. Firm the soil by walking over, placing weight on your heels and rake again. Sprinkle a granular fertiliser over the soil and lightly rake into the soil and water well.
• Lay your first row along a straight edge, slowly unrolling turf to avoid damaging. Butt each piece up closely to the last and ensure good contact with the soil by tamping down firmly with the back of the rake.
• Lay the next row, making sure the pieces of turf are pushed right up to the first row. Stagger this and subsequent rows in a brickwork pattern until the area has been covered.
• Lay turf so it runs beyond the area of your new lawn and trim edges with a straight edged board and a half-moon cutting tool. After cutting, scoop up handfuls of soil and put under the edges of the turf to prevent it drying out. If possible set up a sprinkler to water or soak thoroughly with several doses from a watering can.

Aftercare

• Try not to walk on newly laid turf until it has rooted into the soil, which could take several weeks.
• If the weather is mild over winter the grass will begin to grow. Trim it lightly, keeping the mower blades set high.