How to Lay Turf

As someone with a good few years with years of experience cultivating beautiful, lush lawns from seed, I understand the satisfaction of nurturing grass seed from scratch.

Yet, there’s clearly an appeal to using turf, especially when an instant, green carpet is needed.

Turf is ideal for homeowners who want to achieve immediate results, providing a mature, green lawn without the waiting period required by seed.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of laying turf, so you can create a healthy, vibrant lawn that enhances your outdoor space. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful, enduring lawn that thrives year-round.

One of the main reasons is instant gratification: with turf, you can lay a lawn in a day and enjoy a fully green yard in a matter of weeks.

However, there are some important considerations.

Turf generally costs more upfront than grass seed, and laying it can be physically demanding. While seed may take longer to establish, it’s cheaper and easier to find a seed that’s best for you.

The foundation of any successful lawn—whether grown from turf or seed—is in the soil. Poor soil preparation is one of the most common reasons why turf fails to establish, so this is a crucial step to get right.

Either way, the first step is always good preparation before you lay it.

Preparing the ground before you lay your turf

Preparation is key to achieving excellent long-term results. This includes levelling, weeding and even feeding the ground beforehand

1. Clear the Area: Start by removing any existing grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from the area where you plan to lay turf. You can use a shovel or a mechanical turf cutter to strip the area down to bare soil.
2. Loosen and Level the Soil: Once the area is clear, use a garden fork or rototiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 15 cm. This improves soil aeration and helps the roots of your new turf establish themselves more easily.
3. Amend the Soil: Turf thrives in nutrient-rich soil, so consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient content. For particularly heavy clay or sandy soils, incorporate appropriate amendments (such as sand in clay or loam in sandy soil) to create a more balanced, well-draining base.
4. Rake and Level: Use a rake to level the soil, creating a smooth, even surface. This is essential for an even turf appearance. Any dips or bumps will show in the final lawn, so take the time to get the surface as flat as possible. After raking, lightly compact the soil with a roller or simply by walking over it in small steps.
5. Final Pre-Turf Treatment: A day before you plan to lay the turf, water the soil lightly. It should be moist but not muddy. If you want to give your turf an extra boost, apply a granular starter fertiliser to the soil at this stage.

How to choose which turf you’re going to lay

The type and quality of turf you choose will have a lasting impact on your lawn’s appearance and resilience. Turf comes in various blends, typically made up of hardy grasses that perform well in the UK climate. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your turf:

1. Types of Turf: For most homeowners, a general-purpose turf blend is ideal. These often consist of a mixture of ryegrass and fescues, offering durability and a lush green colour. If you’re looking for something more resilient for high-traffic areas, choose a sport or utility turf with a higher ryegrass content.
2. Sourcing Quality Turf: Purchase turf from a reputable supplier, ideally one that cuts and delivers turf the same day. Turf begins to deteriorate if left rolled for too long, so fresh-cut, moist turf will give the best results. Order slightly more than you calculate you’ll need, as you may need extra for trimming and fitting.
3. Delivery Timing: Arrange for delivery on the same day you plan to lay it. Turf should be laid within 24 hours of being cut, especially in warmer weather, to avoid it drying out and becoming challenging to establish.

Now comes the rewarding part: laying your turf! Follow these steps carefully for a seamless, professional-looking finish.

1. Start Along a Straight Edge: Begin at a straight edge of your lawn area, like a path or fence, and lay the first row of turf. Ensure each roll is laid closely against the previous one without overlapping or leaving gaps. Stagger each row, much like brickwork, to give a more uniform look and aid root establishment.
2. Firm Down Each Roll: After laying each roll, use a plank to walk along the turf, pressing it down gently to ensure good contact with the soil beneath. This prevents air pockets, which can inhibit root growth.
3. Trim Edges Carefully: For curved or angled areas, use a sharp knife to trim the turf accurately to fit. Always take your time with edges as these details contribute significantly to the lawn’s final appearance.
4. Water Thoroughly: As soon as each section is laid, give it a deep watering. In the UK, natural rainfall often supports new turf, but in dry periods, water daily to keep it consistently moist during the establishment phase.
5. Roll and Check Levels: Once all the turf is laid, lightly roll over the entire lawn with a garden roller or simply by walking on boards across the turf. This helps to settle the roots into the soil below and keeps the surface even.