Although turf can be laid at almost any time of the year, it is usually best to do so in spring or autumn, avoiding the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. If at all possible, you should plan to lay turf at a time when rain is expected in the next day or two.

Buying the Right Turf

Whilst there are a wide range of turves to choose from, meadow turf is generally best for a hard-wearing lawn; otherwise you should buy purpose grown turf. The turf will usually come in 30 cm wide rolls, ready for laying in strips. Lay the turves as soon as possible (within 24 hours) on moist, but not wet, soil to encourage rapid rooting. However, if you have to store them, make sure you keep them well watered, and grass side up so that they receive plenty of light.

Preparing the Site

Prepare the site of your lawn thoroughly, following the guidelines given in the section on planning a new lawn. This will include preparing the soil, levelling the area and making final preparations such as firming, creating a fine surface tilth and applying fertilizer.

Laying the First Row

Starting at the edge of the site, lay the first row of turves along a straight line, such as a path, patio or a plank of wood. Make sure that you lay each new piece so that it is completely flush with its neighbour. Tamp down each turf with the back of a rake to make sure that there are no air pockets.

Laying the Subsequent Rows

Standing on planks placed on the first row of turf, lightly rake over the soil on which the next row is to be laid. Use the plank to kneel on whilst you lay the next turves, ensuring that the joints between the rows are staggered as you would with a brick wall. Never start or finish any row with any small pieces of turf, as they will be vulnerable to damage and drying out; if necessary, lay a complete piece of turf at the edge, and fill the gap behind with a trimmed segment. Lay further rows until the site is covered.

Tamping Down the Turf

Use the back of your rake to tamp or firm down each turf to remove any air pockets between the turf and the soil, or roll the lawn with a light roller. However, if you are working in wet conditions, do not use a roller until the turves have rooted and knitted together.

Applying a Top Dressing

Apply a thin layer of top-dressing (sieved, sandy loam) between the turves to encourage the roots to spread. Brush this in well, filling any gaps between the turves.

Watering the Site

Water the lawn thoroughly, using a watering can or hose with a sprinkler attached. Continue to water regularly so that the lawn is kept moist until the grass has rooted through in the top soil. Make sure that you apply enough water to reach the soil below; otherwise the turves may shrink, leaving large gaps between them.

Shaping the Lawn

Trim your lawn edges to shape using the guidelines given here. Use a plank to create straight edges, and rope or hose for curved ones.

Mowing

When your new lawn is about 5 cm high, use a rotary mower to cut it down to 2.5 cm. Collect the grass or rake it up carefully. Repeat this process about 4 more times.