The beauty of turf is that it can be laid all year round. Laying turf during the summer is no problem providing you follow a few simple guide lines.
- Make sure you order the turf to arrive on the day you are going to lay it
- Apply a pre-turfing fertiliser such as "Lawn Start", this will encourage rapid establishment of the root system. A healthy root system will provide the turf with the capability of absorbing suffient water and nutrients to be able to cope if we get a prolonged dry spell.
- Water retaining crystals. Spread these through the top layer of soil before laying the new turf. By doing this the water is held exactly where the new roots require the water to be and you wont be wasting the water you apply.
- If youre in an area prone to hose pipe bans then consider investing in a water butt, even better get one with a pump included, this way you can still use a sprinkler if desired.
- Be prepared. Ensure you have a sprinkler ready to water the turf as soon as it starts to go down, a hose is not adequate as it doesnt apply the water evenly.
- You will need to water the turf morning and evening for at least the first week - 10 days and thereafter as the weather dictates. You dont need to flood the turf it just needs to be moist.
- You will be able to mow the lawn as soon as the turf is adhering to the soil below. Lift a corner of the turf, if it holds fast your good to go. Set the mower to its highest setting, dont take more that one third off in the first cut. It is advisable to keep the grass a little longer when the weather is hot, the grass will be under less stress.
Follow these tips and your guaranteed to establish a healthy, attractive looking lawn which will provide you with pleasure for many years to come.