Laying turf is the easiest way to create a new lawn, giving you a lush new lawn in just a few hours. Rolls of lawn turf cost just a few pounds each and usually comprise a mix of hard-wearing perennial rye grasses.
How to lay turf
The best time to lay turf is during spring or autumn, when rain will help the new grass establish roots in time for summer sun or winter frosts. Prepare the ground by removing weeds and raking it level, then lay the turf so it overlaps slightly. Water it well and keep watering every few days so it establishes well.
Watch Monty Don‘s practical video guide to laying turf, above.
Follow our step-by-step guide to laying a lawn, below.
Keep your new lawn looking in great condition with a range of lawn care kit that our experts have put to the test – from the best lawn mowers, to the best scarifiers and best aerators.
You Will Need
- Turf
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden spade
- Loam topsoil
- Garden rake
- A sharp knife
- Watering can
Step 1
Spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. Prepare the area, levelling the ground and removing big stones. If the surface is uneven, wheelbarrow in some topsoil, pour it on top and even it out with a rake.
Step 2
Firm the soil surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. Fill any freshly-created dips with topsoil and compress again with your feet. Give the surface a final rake over.
Step 3
Lay the turves on the soil, staggering the joints like brickwork and overlapping them slightly. If it’s a big area, work off a plank of wood to avoid walking on the turf.
Step 4
To create a clean edge, cut off any excess turf with a spade or sharp knife. Bang the turves all over with the back of the rake to ensure they make contact with the soil before giving the whole area a good water.
Step 5
It will take a few weeks for your lawn to establish and in that time it’s essential you don’t let the turves dry out; so water them regularly. Start mowing when the grass is 2.5cm – 5cm high, never removing more than one third of the total height of the grass at a time.
Got some spare lawn turf?
Got some lawn turf left over? Don’t waste it – find out what to do with spare turf in our Quick Tips video guide.Â
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