Preparing the ground for new turf
Good ground is most of the job. Get it ready before your turf arrives, so you can lay it the same day.
Five steps to a good base
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Clear
Lift old grass, weeds and stones. On new builds, pick out rubble buried just under the surface.
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Loosen
Dig or rotavate the top 10 to 15cm, especially where the ground has been driven over.
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Top up
Add topsoil where the soil is thin or there's clay near the surface.
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Level
Rake out bumps and hollows so water doesn't sit in puddles.
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Firm
Walk over it on your heels, then rake lightly. It should be firm but not hard.
On the day
- Have a wheelbarrow and a helper ready
- Start laying along a straight edge
- Stagger the joins like brickwork
- Water well as soon as it's down
Questions
Can I lay turf on clay?
Yes, but break the surface up and add topsoil on top so the roots have something to grow into.