Standard Lawn Preparation
Contractor Specification
Preparation for Standard Real Lawn Turf
Remove or chemically kill grass & weeds from surface of top soil and any stones/debris.
Rotovate existing top soil to a depth of 100mm, adding in 50% Medium Grade Sports Sand (MM35) and rotovate in to the existing freshly rotovated top soil to create a 50/50 mix.
Tread the area several times in different directions and then rake several time also in different directions.
Rake surface to a fine tilth and make sure surface is level.
Once soil is prepared to levels, apply and rake in pre – turfing fertiliser 8:12:8, Application rate – 30 – 50g/m²
This method is only suitable where existing lawns have been previously.
Standard lawn preparation allows for existing (on site) top soil to be re used with additional additives. Drainage is key to the success of the lawn.
Rotovating existing soil will not fix underlying drainage problems and if drainage problems are visible, standard lawn preparation should not be used.
Note that the price should exclude the supply and installation of the lawn surface as this will be itemised separately
Additional Information:
Preparing The Soil
Before Turfing To get the level surface that is crucial for the best lawns, tread the area several times in different directions and then rake several times also in different directions. Then rake the surface to a fine tilth and make sure that the surface is level. This may take some time, but it is worth it, as if the surface is uneven it will result in your lawn being uneven, which will have an adverse impact on the appearance of the lawn.
Once the soil is prepared apply and rake in pre seeding fertiliser Outfield 8:12:8 Fertiliser
Laying The Turf
Begin at one side or one corner and work across so that the person laying the turf faces the bare soil. Use boards to stand on and don’t walk on the newly laid turf. Avoid foot indentations in the newly laid turf by working from boards. Lay rolls with staggered joints as in the pattern of a brick wall and closely butted together avoiding gaps.
Always push turf into a joint; never stretch the turves by pulling them. Any remaining cracks can be filled with a light soil. The turf can be simply cut using a long knife, hand saw or edging shears around edges and features. Once all the turf has been laid it can be firmed/tamped lightly with the flat end of a landscaping or hard rake.
Immediately After Laying Always water newly-laid turf immediately and for several days after laying until the turf is firmly rooted.
On hot days, you may need to commence watering large lawns prior to laying all the turf. Ensure that the new lawn is never short of water and that the water has percolated through to the underlying soil.
Lift the corners of the turf to check the soil below. Water repeatedly until the turf is well established. If rainfall is experienced you still need to check that the lawn is receiving sufficient water.
First thing in the morning or late in the evening are ideal times to water your new turf so that less water is lost to evaporation.