Instant turf is a great way to improve the appearance of your new property or increase its value before selling. However, it's important that you take the necessary steps to prepare the area before laying the turf. Otherwise, you may not get the results you're hoping for. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly prepare your area for new turf installation. We'll also provide some tips, tricks and hacks on how to care for your lawn once it's been installed!
Step 1: Measuring The Space
Laying instant turf requires very accurate measurements. Use a tape measure to work out the area of your planned lawn, include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area with the length and width and any unusual features. Our handy turf calculator will help you determine the amount of instant turf you will need, but you can also bring in your measurements and our friendly landscaping team will then determine how much turf you will need for the area. Please measure your desired area carefully as we are unable to accept returns following a new lawn installation. You can even use our turf calculator if you have an odd-shaped lawn, just break each area into a square, rectangle, circle or triangle and you'll be able to calculate the total required by adding each section together.
Be sure to schedule your order for delivery AFTER the preparatory work is completed and you are ready for your new lawn installation. One of the most important turf installation guidelines is to install grass as soon as possible on the day of delivery. Instant Turf starts to dry out and shrink hours after being harvested, so use that window of time wisely and have the preparation work done well in advance. To learn how to prep your area, keep on reading.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Proper soil preparation is critical when laying instant turf on your property. For optimum results, use a lawn rotary hoe or dig the region evenly to a depth of 100mm to 150mm. Be sure to make note of any drainage problems for your instant turf by having soil slope away from the house and towards garden beds or fences.
Rake and smooth the soil then remove any rocks, roots and large clumps. You can also use a lawn roller and consolidate the soil lightly, this will firm the soil surface and reveal any low areas that need more soil. Keep the soil level 20mm below paths. Lightly water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for the turf. It's best to lay new soil onto lightly damp soil so the soil will not act like a sponge and drain your turf of all its stored water.
You may also want to prep the soil surface by laying down some Lawn Starter Fertiliser, If you order over 50 square metres of turf, a 5kg bag will be included free with your delivery. Carefully spread the lawn starter evenly across the area moments before laying your turf down.
Step 3: Turf Delivery
Anco's fleet of semi-trailers delivers directly from the farm to your door from Monday to Saturday. Deliveries from Anco are usually in the morning so that your turf can be laid fresh on the day of delivery, this minimises the likelihood of turf drying out during delivery.
Anco's team will contact you in the afternoon prior to the next day’s delivery with a delivery time.
The truck's mounted forklifts drop the turf curbside.
Step 4: Turf Installation
It's important to install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive and thrive. If you are installing in the heat of summer, cover unplanted grass in the shade or lightly mist with water.
Begin installing your new turf along the longest straight line such as a driveway, path or garden bed. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly. Avoid pulling the turf as this will stretch out the roll and make it easier for weeds and other nasties to invade the new lawn. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion and use a large knife to trim corners and ends for a flat fit. Be sure to tuck any edges in and avoid overlapping them on pathways or gardens as the outer edges will not retain moisture and slowly die. If you have a sloped area, be sure to place the turf from the bottom first and lay it across in a diagonal fashion. This will avoid gravity and the turf slipping down the slopes while it's growing and establishing a root system, you can even use bamboo stakes to pin the turf in place for a few weeks before it establishes a hold.
It's very important to use a lawn roller after the installation is complete. After installing the turf, roll the lawn with a lawn roller to improve turf to-soil contact and remove air pockets. For the next few weeks following installation and until it is established, you should avoid walking or kneeling on the new turf as this will cause indentations or air pockets.
Step 5: Turf Watering
New instant turf MUST be watered within half an hour of laying it down. Regardless of the weather, give your new lawn installation at least 25mm (1″) of water. These first two weeks are the most critical time for the turf. DO NOT ALLOW TURF TO DRY OUT. The establishment of new turf can take anywhere from a week in the warmer sun, to 2 months in the cooler months. It's important to follow a STRICT watering guide which can be found here. If you don't follow this guide, your lawn could shrink and die off without establishing into the ground.
After two weeks, regular and deeper watering should begin. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods. An important turf installation tip is to water areas near buildings more often as heat that reflects off that building can alter the area closest to the building. Shady spots might need less water over time but it's so important to absolutely drown the new lawn for at least the first two weeks.
Caution: During the first three weeks avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn to ensure your new lawn installation can firmly knit with soil for a successful, smooth turf.
Step 6: Maintenance
Mowing
Regular mowing with either a rotary or cylinder-type mower is essential for your instant turf in Geelong and across the Bellarine. Your new instant lawn can be mown 10-14 days or when roots have been established, you can check by trying to lift a corner of installed turf. If it lifts up the roots are not established, if the corner does not lift then the general rule of thumb is that you are ready to mow. If your turf is still not completely attached to the soil, it can be sucked up into the blades and ruin the surface.
Generally, you shouldn't mow any more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Ensure that your mower blades are new or have been recently sharpened. For suggested cutting heights refer to the information page of your turf type. These can be found here
Fertilising
Fertiliser should be applied on a regular basis all year round. Our professional landscape team can advise which fertiliser will suit your instant turf type and budget. It's best to use small applications at frequent intervals to give the best final results. You won’t need as much fertiliser during the dormant cooler months so be sure to read the label for correct doses.
From time to time you may need extra advice or assistance in caring for your lawn. You can contact us directly for the best lawn care advice or product suggestions anytime on (03) 5250 2056.
Top 5 Extra Tips for Laying Turf
1. Consider when to lay the turf
It is best to lay turf in the non-winter months, Spring is the perfect season as it helps boost growth with the sunshine but won't cause drying out or burning as there is also rain.
2. Consider where to lay the turf
Think about where you are going to lay the turf including the location, surrounding environment, access to water and the quality of the soil. It's also good to watch the shadows and shady as the sun moves across your property. Some grass types prefer direct sunlight and others prefer shade. Check out our article here to find the best turf choice for your yard.
3. Research each grass type
Different grass types have different characteristics, and some are better suited to certain environmental considerations such as, does the area you are installing too have lots of shade, dappled light due to trees or full sun all day. Take into consideration any structures such as your home, does your house block sun for long durations during the day, especially important for two-story homes. You can call us directly or check out our many articles about which grass type is best for you here.
4. Choose a suitable grass type
Choose turf that is best suited to your requirements and needs. For example, consider maintenance, usage, shade tolerance, water tolerance and weed and pest resistance.
5. Add nutrients to your soil
Sandy soil or Sandy Loam is ideal. Consider adding nutrients to the soil to enhance its vitality and to prep it well for fresh grass.
If you follow all of these lessons and prepare correctly, You’ll have a solid and lush-looking lawn for years and years to come. You can visit us anytime at 370 Grubb Road, Wallington or head to our website right now and use the handy lawn calculator to find out how much instant lawn it will take to finish up your backyard project.