Preparing your Soil for Turf.

As we all know, the soil our turf lives in is almost exclusively the most important thing about lawn care.
Here is your ultimate guide to soil preparation before you lay or seed your new lawn.

1.Clear the Area

• We recommend spraying any existing vegetation with a weed killer (herbicide) before removing the soil, but ensure you wait for the recommended time before laying turf, as herbicides can remain in the soil and affect the grass.

• Remove any weeds, rocks, debris, or old grass from the soil. You can use a shovel, or a rake to do this.

 

2. Measuring pH, Improving Soil Quality and Loosening the Soil

• Test the pH of the soil before laying turf. If too acidic (below 6.0), add lime or calcium; if too alkaline (above 7.0), add sulphur.

• To raise pH, use Amendmax Lime, Anderson’s DG Lime, Greens Grade Gypsum, or Dolomite.

• To lower pH, use Anti Alk or Granular Sulphate of Potash.

Improve Soil Quality (if needed)

• Add organic matter to improve soil quality. For sandy soil, add Kickstart to help retain moisture.

• For clay-heavy soil, add Granular Greens Grade Gypsum and coarse sand to improve drainage.

• Add 4-6 inches (100-150mm) of quality topsoil (Quality Sandy Loam or Washed Sand) if the existing soil is poor.

Loosen the Soil

• Use a garden fork or a rototiller to break up compacted soil and create a loose, crumbly texture. This allows the grass roots to penetrate easily.

• Aim to loosen the soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm).

 

3. Install Irrigation

Install an irrigation system to ensure consistent water coverage for your turf. Choose an irrigation system that suits the size of your lawn and ensures even water distribution for healthy grass growth. (Sprinkler system e.g., Hunter, Rain Bird, Sumisoaker hoses).

 

4. Level the Ground

• Level the soil surface to ensure even water distribution.

• Use a lawn leveler to prevent low or high spots where water could collect or dry out.

 

5. Water the Soil

• Water the soil thoroughly before laying the turf, ensuring it’s moist but not waterlogged. This helps settle the soil and creates a good environment for the grass roots to establish.

 

6. Apply Fertiliser

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, we recommend 2SPEC Establish to give your new turf a good start.

 

7.Lay Turf

• Lay the turf rolls or sod on the prepared soil.

• Stagger the seams of the turf in a brick pattern, laying it tightly together without overlapping. Press down the edges

 

8. Apply Kelpro and Hydrolink

• Apply Kelpro and Hydrolink Advance over the top of the turf.

• These products help improve water retention and promote healthier grass growth. Water thoroughly after installation. First time we recommend 6mm of water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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