Turf Installation

Step 1 – Soil Preparation

Clear weeds from the area to be turfed. This can be done by applying Roundup Herbicide (or similar) or removing by hand. Weeds should be cleared 7 – 10 days before turfing.
Adequate drainage is the most essential key for a successful lawn. (Note – Palmetto in shade areas requires excellent drainage)
Rotary Hoe, or cover area with good quality topsoil (minimum 25mm). If clay based soil, apply gypsum prior to covering with topsoil or rotary hoeing.
Apply a starter fertilizer on top of soil, or under the turf to be laid. (Fertilizers are available from Rosemount Turf)

With a tape, measure the area to be turfed. Measure length & width in meters and multiply the two measurements. This should result in the total amount of turf required in square meters.

Start at a straight edge (i.e. fence, driveway, etc) furthest away & work towards the closest point. This will reduce walking over laid lawn.
Turf should be laid in a brick pattern for a neater finish. Butt & push ends against each other, avoid leaving gaps or overlapping. Trim turf off as required with a sharp knife or shovel.
Note – on a large lawn it is best to complete small sections (i.e. 50m²), by rolling turf as you go, so watering your new lawn can commence as soon as possible. (This is the most critical item in the laying process!!!!)
Roll your lawn with a turf roller if possible to compact subgrade & level out any minor undulations.
Keep off turf (i.e. foot traffic, pets, etc) until turf is established.
Topdress (in summer/spring only) if required to remove any depressions with a washed sand. Don’t top dress more than 10mm thick.

Give your new lawn at least 25mm of water within 5 – 10 minutes of installation. Note – The best way to measure the watering depth is to place an old cup under the sprinkler or irrigation system and measure water collected in cup.
Turf should be watered in the daylight hours as follows:- After initial watering, water turf (10mm – 15mm deep), several times (3 – 4) times per day, for first 7 – 10 days, to keep turf and soil moist & encourage root establishment. Failure to water correctly will result in your turf becoming stressed, drying out & finally dying. (Note – Buffalo and Zoysia’s require a lot more water in the establishment period & will require (10mm – 15mm) of water (4 – 5) times per day for first 10 – 14 days. On hot summer days (over 30c) & very windy days (over 15 knots), increase watering to cope with the additional environmental stresses.
Once turf cannot be lifted up from soil, gradually taper off watering to a good soaking once per week in dry weather.