All weeds and old grasses should be sprayed out with Roundup or a similar herbicide around 14 days prior to commencement of ground preparation.

If the area requires excavation, this should be done next. If existing ground is hard and compacted and levels are to high against pathways, driveways etc, you will need to have this taken away. The excavated level should be around 150 – 200 mm below any such pathways etc. If the area is large the hiring of a bobcat and operator will make this task easy on the back. Don't forget: adequate drainage is essential for a successful lawn.

You should now assess your existing soil's condition: it is considered poor if it is compacted or has a high clay content. This can be rectified by purchasing a good quality top soil mix available from your local Nursery or Landscape Supply depot. The top soil mix should generally be around a 40% soil and 60% coarse river sand varying between different turf varieties and different soil types - consult your local supplier, or call us for more information.

If the area is clayey you should apply some gypsum at a rate of approximately 1 kg per square metre.

Your area should now be ready for the spreading of the new top soil mix . This should be spread over the entire area to be turfed using a metal rake or something similar at a depth of around 100 - 150 mm of or more if desired (your local soil supplier if given the area to be covered should be able to calculate the amount of soil required for that depth). If the top soil being used doesn't have any form of fertiliser mixed in it, it is a good idea to put down some starter fertiliser (available from Green Line Turf) on top of the prepared area and lightly rake in.

If the area to be prepared is not compacted or clayey, this can be sprayed with roundup and left for the same period as above. You can then hire a cultivator or rotary hoe (from your local hire shop) for large areas, and work up the ground to a depth of 100 – 200mm adding organic matter on sandier type soils as you go. This can be smoothed out with a rake.

The ideal soil pH for turf grass is in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. Note:Soil pH kits are available from most garden centres and are inexpensive.

With a tape, measure the area to be turfed. Measure length and width in metres and multiply the two measurements. Also include any odd shapes or unusual features to the nearest possible measurement. This should result in the total amount of turf required in square metres. For assistance with measurement, don't hesitate to contact us! It may interest you that 1 roll of cut turf measures 2.2m long with a width of 0.45m (1 square metre).

Turf is a living plant, and for best results should be delivered on the day planned for laying. Turf should be laid immediately upon delivery.

Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation, especially in Summer. Turf requires ground contact and moisture to survive.

Begin by laying your new lawn around the outside of the area to be turfed, against pathways, garden edges, etc. forming a border. Then continue by laying across any slopes you may have, trimming excess turf at the border along the outside, with a knife or spade.

Turf should be laid in a brick pattern for a neater finish. Butt and push ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid leaving gaps or overlapping. Note: on a large lawn it is best to complete small sections by rolling turf as you go, so watering your new lawn can commence.

Give your new lawn at least 25mm of water within 30 minutes of installation. Water daily (depending on weather conditions), keeping turf moist, until it is firmly rooted. Be sure your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods.

Check turf by carefully lifting in areas, and checking for moisture and new roots. Once turf cannot be lifted, waterings can be spaced to once or twice a week (depending on weather conditions). Caution: avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn in the first few weeks after laying, allowing the roots to firmly knit with the soil. A bump free, firmly rooted surface will result.

Now, all that's left is to motivate the kids to do some mowing occasionally!