Please follow these lawn preparation and laying instructions to assist you in achieving a professional result. Feel free to contact us if you need any advice.
Instant Lawn Preparation and Installation
When to lay a new lawn
Unlike sowing, instant lawn can be laid at any time of year. Lay instant lawn after hard landscaping is complete i.e. driveways, paths, mowing strips, etc.
Preparation
Spray out any existing vegetation with a non-residual herbicide such as Roundup. A repeat application two weeks later may be necessary to achieve an adequate result. For removal of an existing lawn we recommend using a spade or hiring a contractor to cut it off with a turf cutter.
Clear the site of all debris including sticks, stones, and old weeds and grass, and cultivate the soil to a depth of 100mm by either digging or using a rotary hoe.
Level the site with a rake taking care not to remove too much topsoil from any one area. Ideally, a minimum of 100mm of topsoil should be maintained across the site.
Consolidate the soil by tramping down by foot or using a light garden roller. Add soil if necessary and rake again to achieve a very smooth finish allowing 0-5mm at the outer edges for the thickness of the turf. The ideal final surface should be firm to walk on, leaving a footprint but no indentation.
Please discuss with us any lawn problems such as the presence of difficult to control grass weeds like paspalum, or difficult ground conditions such as poor water penetration. It is best if these are resolved before laying your new instant lawn.
The preparation stage is vital to the finished result. Poorly prepared ground may produce an untidy finish or compromise the long-term survival of the lawn.
Ordering
You are now ready to place your order for instant lawn, fertiliser and during summer months, wetting agent.
Laying
Try to lay your instant lawn immediately after receiving it. In hot weather try to keep unlaid lawn in a shaded area. If necessary, it can last for 2-3 days.
Apply an approved fertiliser over the soil to stimulate the root growth of the turf. Exercise caution as some fertilisers may burn the delicate new roots.
Lay your instant lawn in a staggered fashion and always in the same direction. Begin at a straight edge if possible, and do not try to bend around corners. Butt all edges and ends together firmly but without stretching the turf. Trim away surplus turf with a sharp knife. Avoid laying small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture well and avoid walking too much over newly laid turf – use boards if necessary.
Roll your new lawn with a light garden roller or press down by foot to ensure good contact between the turf and the soil, paying particular attention to joins.
Water your instant lawn within 30 minutes of laying in hot conditions. Once laying is complete water your new lawn thoroughly to a depth of 15cm (about 20 minutes). During warmer months apply a wetting agent over the lawn to hold the water in the turf profile.