Occasionally, you may find that you need to lift and re-lay an area of turf. Always bear in mind that it will be much simpler to do this if you cut and lift the turf in evenly sized pieces, as they will fit together more easily when they are re-laid. You can cut and lift the turf by hand, using the method given below, or alternatively, you could hire a mechanical turf lifter, which cuts the turf to the size and depth required and also lifts it.

Step 1: Cutting

Firstly, you will need to divide the turf to be lifted into uniform strips 30 cm (12 in) wide by 45 cm (18 in) long. Push in 2 short canes a little way apart, 30cm (12 in) in from the turf edge, and lay a plank flush against them. Standing on the plank, cut the entire length of turf to be moved into a long 30 cm (12 in) strip with a half-moon edger. Then repeat this process to cut any subsequent rows. Then, cut each length at right angles to form pieces 45 cm (18 in) long.

Step 2: Lifting

Once you have cut the turf into evenly sized pieces, remove a small wedge of turf next to the first piece to be lifted. Insert a flat spade or turf float under the turf without damaging the edge, undercutting it to a depth of at least 2.5cm (1 in) and severing it from its underlying soil and roots. Stack the lifted turves on a hard surface such as paving or piece of plastic sheeting, laying them grass to grass, soil to soil.

Step 3: Trimming

You will then need to trim all the lifted turves to the same depth, using a shallow box the same size as the cut turves. Leave one of the shorter sides open and cover the remaining top edges with a smooth metal strip. Place each turf soil side up into the box, and then slice off any excess soil along the top of the box using a sharp blade.