How to install your new roll on lawn DIY

  • Print

1. SOIL PREPARATION
The soil preparation is considered the most important part of your lawn's future. Depending on the quality of your existing soil, we recommend incorporating (3-5 cubic meters per 100m2) of a premium compost or soil conditioner into your soil.

2. LEVELLING
Remove any debris - leaves, twigs, roots, rocks and weeds from the soil area. Level and shape the ground when the soil is dry using a leveler. Allow 30mm below paths, driveways etc. for the grass to be laid on top and remain level with surrounding surface. Irrigation; If your irrigation system is not installed yet, now is the stage. The sprinkler heads should be positioned 20mm above the surface of the soil, allowing for the height of the lawn. Reticulation is strongly recommended for establishing any lawn, particularly through summer.
Before laying your turf, make sure soil is moist to a depth of at least 200mm. Soil water repellency can be overcome with the use of a wetting agent.

3. JUST BEFORE LAYING
We recommend wetting the soil properly and spreading Dynamic Lifter at a rate of 20kg per 100 sq. metres. This slow release organic fertiliser naturally develops the soil, providing a bank of nutrients at the root zone during root development. A spreader is recommended for even distribution to avoid uneven application and burning.
4. LAYING
Turf rolls should be laid as soon as possible after delivery. Lay the turf rolls in a stretcher bond pattern as you would in brick paving. Butt joints tightly but do not overlap edges. Use a serrated knife to cut turf to fit curves, edges, sprinkler heads etc.
5.  WATERING
On hot days, lay the turf in sections and water well to prevent drying. On cooler days the entire area can be laid before watering. Water the completed lawn surface thoroughly. Repeat watering at regular intervals to keep turf moist at all times, until the roots are established. (Check our Lawn Care Watering section)
6. COMPACTING/ROLLING
After laying all turf, water in well and roll with a heavy roller or compact with a plate compactor to eliminate irregularities and to form good contact between turf and soil. Watering with a hose in front of the compactor will help.
7. TOPDRESSING
Topdress very lightly (concentrate on joints) using a lawn mix or clean sandy soil, will help to stop the joints drying out and improve the level.
8. FERTILISER
Apply a good lawn starter fertilizer at a rate of  5kg per 100 sq. metres about two weeks after laying (after the first mowing). We reccomend Eco-Growth Emerald. Alternatively use Dynamic Lifter at a rate of 15-20kg per 100 sq. metres.
9. MOWING
Mow your instant lawn lightly within 10-14 days after installation in the warmer months and after it has taken root in the colder months.