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| Lawn turfing |
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The beauty of ‘turfing’ a new lawn is; it gives an immediate effect.
Considerations; When creating a lawn one must consider what it’s going to be used for, and its location, i.e. in sun or shade.
Once this has been established you can consider what type of turf you require.
As with grass seed, different grades of turf are available, so opt for a weed free seed-grown turf as opposed to meadow turf.
Laying; Inspect your turf before off loading it, it should be fresh, green, moist and weed-free.
If the turf cannot be laid immediately after delivery, unroll it and water as necessary.
It is best to lay turf Circa Week 36, but if conditions allow, it can be laid Circa Week 15
Laying turf during the summer will necessitate regular watering until it establishes.
Lawns formed on clay soils are prone to problems associated with poor drainage,e.g. moss and weed infestation.
Laying the turf on a 60-75mm (2"-3") layer of sharp sand will help to draw excessive moisture away from the surface and reduce the possibility of these infestations.
Start laying the turf by placing the first row of turf along a straight edge, then continue working forwards by standing on a board, and cutting the turf to fit.
Start the second row with a shorter piece of turf in order to stagger the joints.
The rolls of turf should be closely butted together, and tamped down with the back of a rake use compost to adjust any irregularities in levels.
Finally work compost into the joints using a stiff brush.
On completion water the newly laid turf but avoid water-logging it, repeat the watering process at fortnightlyintervals, (weekly in dry weather).
Aftercare; When the grass is approximately 50mm (2”) high, roll it, then a few days later, mow it, with the mower blades set to remove about a third of the growth.
Subsequent care;
DO NOT, use a selective lawn herbicide e.g. ‘Lawn Feed & Weed’ for at least six months.
Remove perennial weeds and coarse grasses by hand.
Regular mowing should keep annual weeds at bay.
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