Turfing

[mushRTID]

Going to be turfing my front garden this weekend boys and never done it before. The current soil is rock hard as it previously had a sheet over it covered in stones and paving slabs.

Do all the stones in the soil need removing? Does the soil need loosening up? Don't want to buy all the turf for it to die because I've cocked it up.

Any vsc advise appreciated. Mick must know how it's done?

[Nudga]

I'm not an expert but I've done it before, I would rotivate the hard soil first, this will help with drainage. Then rake over to flatten it out, I would then buy a ton of decent top soil and rake that in. Then roll out your new turf, after the first one goes on, make sure the next roll is nice and tight up against it. Have a look on YouTube for good tips. Hope this helps.

[IC1967]

I am an expert. Nudga has got a rough idea about what is needed but luckily I can provide detailed accurate advice. Firstly you need to get rid of the stones. I need to know how good a lawn do you want? What type of soil do you have i.e. sandy, clay etc?

[mushRTID]

Mick, I want an excellent lawn. The soil is that hard and compacted  though it's hard to say what it is. Somewhere in between probably.

Nudga, thanks for that mate. I've seen a few clips and was trying to avoid new top soil to keep cost down but I think I'm going to need it.

[scaley back rover]

My advice is once laid ensure that no one with betterware catalogues or a guitar  in their hand walks over it. 

[niteowler]

Don't forget green side up and keep watered for up to 2 weeks if rain is not forecast but do not over saturate..Stadium turf from Sykes on Stripe Road between Rossington and Tickhill is very good, very helpful with laying instructions etc Good luck but sure you will be ok

[mushRTID]

Don't forget green side up and keep watered for up to 2 weeks if rain is not forecast but do not over saturate..Stadium turf from Sykes on Stripe Road between Rossington and Tickhill is very good, very helpful with laying instructions etc Good luck but sure you will be ok

Thanks for that will check them out.

[IC1967]

Ok. Once stones are removed you need to double dig or rotivate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Given it is compacted you may need to do this a few times to break up the soil. I'd recommend a rotivator for the best and less labour intensive way of doing it especially if the area is large.

More advice later.

[Serring]

Here's the link to the site that some appear to be advising you from......

http://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/novice/creating-a-new-lawn/preparing-the-ground

[RobTheRover]

I relaid the whole lawn, front and back, at my old place.  It's backbreaking work.  I had to strip the old stuff off first, so hired a turf stripper.  Thats not easy, and took a full day.

Then I rotivated and that is like fighting a lion, especially if the soil is wet and heavy (as it was when i did mine), but you might get away with it if you are doing it soon.  Then rake it all level.  That can take hours and hours to get right, or you will have an undulating lawn.  When you start laying the new turf, get a board to stand kneel on the newly laid turf to spread your weight or you can damage/move the newly laid stuff.  It does need to be very tight.

After a few weeks for the roots to knit in it looks fabulous.

[IC1967]

I've checked the link that  Serring has posted and agree that this does provide excellent advice. Combine the advice in the link with what I've already advised and you should end up with the lawn you want. Any more questions just let me know. Good luck.

[grayx]

I'd give Sykes lawn turf in Tickhill a ring. They also recommend someone who will do the job for you including preparation/top soil/delivery etc. I found it didnt work out much dearer than doing it yourself... and a damned sight easier too.

[jonnydog]

I installed the top quality Astro-Grass in my back garden last year and have to say it has made life much much easier.

I do get some occasional funny looks off the neighbours when they catch me dragging the Henry Hoover across it but that's about as much maintenance as is required

[mushRTID]

Thanks all. Sounds like getting it level will be the hardest thing.

[not on facebook]

It will Help no end to Get Your level no end if you use a lawn rake

This is a big fcuk off  type Of rake and Its Easy to handle as it not heavy
At all.

Allways stagnate each line Of turf you Lay down then cutt off the over lapping turf and place it down on the very end Of the laid turf.

Never evenly roll out Your turf from Your starting Edge ,hence above.

Once turff  is laid dont 4get to water once a day ,and make sure no kids or
Dogs run Across Your new laid lawn untill Its bedded in  as that will fcuk it up no end

[nightporter]

Preparation is the key, otherwise it would be like laying a carpet over lego.