GREENACRES TURF LTD

GREENACRES GUIDE TO TURF LAYING AND GRASS CARE

Preparation

Turf laying can be done almost all the year through, but it can get too dry in mid-summer and sometimes too cold and frosty during the winter. The best time to prepare land is in the spring or autumn.

If the area has existing vegetation, then systemic weed killers for weeds and grasses are necessary. Then clear everything before digging or rotovating to a depth of 5-6 inches (15cm). Clay land would benefit from incorporating horticultural sand. Keep working the soil by raking to give a firm and level seed bed. A general fertiliser can be applied to the soil and raked into a fine tilth.

Laying

Greenacres cut their turf to order, so it will be in good, fresh condition. Nonetheless all turf should be laid on the same day as delivery to avoid the quality and vigour deteriorating.

Unroll the turf gently to avoid damage or stretching. Work forward in rows, alternating the joins as in brick laying and keep the turf tightly butted together.

Working on boards over the freshly laid turf prevents damage and tamping is helpful to ensure good contact between turf and soil to encourage rooting. Watering will always help establishment more especially in dry weather. If the weather is hot and sunny, water in the evening. Initially, turf will need about 5 litres of water per square metre per day even if it does rain.

After care

Keep applying water during establishment. Mowing can begin when the turf is rooted. If you can't lift a corner of a turf it has rooted and is ready for mowing. For best results cut regularly and reduce the length of the grass a little at a time to a height of about 1 inch (2.5cm).

During long dry periods allow grass to grow slightly longer and leave the clippings to retain moisture.

Annually, your lawn will benefit from a nitrogen rich fertiliser in the spring to encourage growth and a selective weed killer to control annual weeds. A phosphate/potash fertiliser in the autumn will develop root production.

Dale Wildern, Greenacres Turf Ltd, Rowborough Farm, South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4SU
Tel: 01793 829764 Mobile: 07860 902523
E-mail: greenacresturf2@aol.com