A freshly laid lawn can completely transform your garden, but good preparation and aftercare are essential for achieving the best results. Whether you are a homeowner laying turf yourself or a professional landscaper working on a larger project, following the correct steps will help ensure your new lawn establishes quickly and stays healthy for years to come.
Before Your Turf Arrives
Correct preparation before delivery is one of the most important parts of laying a successful lawn. Ideally, all groundwork should be completed before your turf arrives so it can be laid immediately.
Measuring Your Lawn
Carefully measure the area to ensure you order enough turf. We always recommend allowing a small extra amount to account for cuts, shaping and awkward areas.
Choosing the Right Time to Lay Turf
Turf can be laid at almost any time of year providing the ground is not frozen, waterlogged or excessively dry. Spring and autumn are generally ideal due to cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall.
During periods of extreme summer heat, turf should be laid immediately upon delivery and watered thoroughly throughout installation.
Turf Delivery & Storage
On Delivery
When your turf arrives:
- Store it in a shaded area if possible
- Keep the turf uncovered to prevent overheating
- Lay the turf as soon as possible after delivery
Recommended laying times:
- Spring & Summer: within 12 hours
- Autumn & Winter: within 24 hours
Fresh turf is a living product and can deteriorate quickly if left stacked for too long, particularly during warm weather.
If Laying Is Delayed
If you cannot lay the turf immediately:
- Roll the turf out flat on a driveway or path
- Keep it well watered
- Avoid leaving rolls stacked on pallets
When handled correctly, turf can remain healthy for several days, although immediate laying is always best.
Preparing the Ground
Good preparation is essential for creating a healthy, long-lasting lawn. Poor groundwork is one of the main causes of uneven lawns, drainage problems and weak establishment.
Step 1 – Remove Existing Grass & Weeds
Remove any old turf, weeds, stones and debris using:
- A spade
- Turf cutter
- Rotavator (for larger areas)
Perennial weeds should ideally be treated before cultivation to prevent regrowth through the new lawn.
Step 2 – Cultivate the Soil
Dig or rotavate the soil to a depth of approximately:
- 100–150mm (4–6 inches)
This helps relieve compaction and improves drainage and root development.
Step 3 – Improve Poor Soil
If your existing soil is shallow, stony or poor quality, apply a layer of quality screened topsoil.
We recommend:
- Minimum 100mm of good quality topsoil for best results
Avoid using heavy clay or contaminated soil.
Step 4 – Level the Area
Carefully rake the surface level, removing:
- High spots
- Low spots
- Stones
- Large clods
Take time during this stage, as uneven ground will show once the lawn is established.
Step 5 – Firm the Soil
Lightly tread or roll the area to firm the soil.
The surface should be:
- Firm enough to walk on without sinking deeply
- Soft enough to leave a light footprint
If footprints are deep, continue firming and re-raking.
Step 6 – Create a Fine Tilth
Finish by lightly raking the surface to create a smooth, fine tilth ready for laying.
For best results, the finished level should sit slightly below paths and edging to allow for the thickness of the turf.
Laying Your Turf
Turf should always be laid immediately after preparation to avoid the soil drying out or becoming uneven.
Step 1 – Start Along a Straight Edge
Begin laying turf along the longest straight edge, such as:
- A fence line
- Patio
- Pathway
Roll the turf out carefully, working away from yourself.
Step 2 – Butt Edges Tightly Together
Lay each roll tightly against the next without overlapping or leaving gaps.
Avoid stretching the turf, as this can cause shrinkage later.
Step 3 – Stagger the Joints
Lay turf in a staggered pattern similar to brickwork. This improves appearance and prevents weak lines forming across the lawn.
Step 4 – Maintain Good Contact With the Soil
Ensure the underside of the turf is in full contact with the soil beneath.
Air pockets underneath the turf can cause the grass to dry out and root poorly.
Step 5 – Use Boards to Work From
Always work from:
- Scaffold boards
- Plywood sheets
- Turf laying boards
This avoids sinking into prepared soil or damaging freshly laid turf.
Step 6 – Trim Edges Carefully
Use a sharp knife or half-moon edging iron to neatly trim around:
- Borders
- Trees
- Paths
- Flower beds
Watering Newly Laid Turf
Watering correctly is critical during the first few weeks.
Initial Watering
Water the turf immediately after laying. In hot weather, watering may also be required during installation.
The aim is to soak:
- The turf itself
- The soil beneath the turf
A light surface sprinkle is not enough.
Ongoing Watering
Continue watering daily until the turf is firmly rooted.
During warm or dry weather, water:
- Morning and evening if necessary
In cooler or wetter conditions, watering requirements will reduce.
How to Check Moisture Levels
Lift a corner of the turf occasionally to check moisture penetration.
The soil underneath should remain damp but not waterlogged.
Walking on Newly Laid Turf
Avoid unnecessary foot traffic for the first 2–3 weeks.
The lawn will initially feel soft underfoot while roots establish.
When Can You Walk on It?
Your lawn is ready for normal use once the turf has rooted firmly into the soil.
A simple test is to gently lift a corner:
- If it resists lifting, roots have established successfully
First Mowing
When to Mow
The first cut can usually take place once the turf has rooted and the grass reaches approximately:
- 5–8cm in height
First Cut Tips
For the first mow:
- Ensure mower blades are sharp
- Set the mower on its highest setting
- Only remove the top third of growth
Never scalp a newly established lawn.
Ongoing Mowing
Gradually reduce the cutting height over several mows until the desired finish is achieved.
As a general rule:
- Never remove more than 25–30% of the grass blade in one cut
Regular mowing encourages a thicker, healthier lawn.
Feeding & Lawn Aftercare
Feeding Your Lawn
Regular feeding helps maintain colour, density and overall health.
Spring & Summer
Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser every:
- 4–6 weeks
This promotes strong growth and a rich green colour.
Autumn & Winter
Use an autumn/winter fertiliser from mid to late September onwards.
These feeds are lower in nitrogen and help strengthen the lawn before colder weather.
Ongoing Lawn Care
For the best long-term results:
- Keep mower blades sharp
- Avoid cutting too short during hot weather
- Aerate compacted lawns annually
- Remove moss and thatch when required
- Water deeply during prolonged dry periods
Common Turf Laying Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving Turf Rolled Up Too Long
Fresh turf heats quickly when stacked and can deteriorate rapidly.
Insufficient Watering
New turf requires significant watering until rooted. Underwatering is one of the most common causes of failure.
Poor Ground Preparation
Uneven or compacted soil will affect drainage, rooting and appearance.
Walking on New Turf Too Soon
Excessive traffic can create dips and prevent proper rooting.
Cutting Too Short Too Early
New lawns should be mowed gradually to avoid stressing the grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does turf take to root?
Typically:
- Summer: 1–2 weeks
- Spring/Autumn: 2–3 weeks
- Winter: longer depending on temperatures
Can turf be laid on top of existing grass?
No. Existing grass should always be removed before laying new turf.
How soon after laying turf can children or pets use the lawn?
Ideally wait until the turf is fully rooted, usually around 2–3 weeks in growing conditions.
Can turf be laid in the rain?
Yes — provided the ground is not waterlogged or muddy.
Need Advice?
If you are unsure about preparation, quantities or aftercare, our team is always happy to help. Proper preparation and early maintenance make all the difference to achieving a healthy, long-lasting lawn.