How to lay your new turf
Laying day, step by step
From measuring up to your first mow, here is how laying day goes. Tap a step to expand it.
Step 1: Measure up and order
Break the area into simple shapes, measure each one and add about 5% for offcuts. Our turf is cut to order on the farm, so time your order for the day you are ready to lay. Our Measuring Your Lawn guide walks you through it.
Step 2: Prepare your soil
Clear out the old lawn and weeds, turn over the base and spread 80 to 100mm of quality underlay soil. Rake it level about 30 to 40mm below paths and edges so the new turf finishes flush. Full detail in Preparing for Turf.
Step 3: Take delivery fresh
Turf is a living product. We cut it fresh and deliver on the day you need it, so plan to lay it the same day it lands. Do not leave pallets stacked in the sun, in warm weather rolled turf can start to burn within hours.
Step 4: Lay the first rows
Start at the point furthest from your access and work back so you never walk on fresh turf. Lay along a straight edge like a path or fence line, butt each joint up tight with no gaps or overlap and stagger the rows like brickwork.
Step 5: Trim and shape the edges
Cut pieces neatly around garden beds, trees and paths with a spade or turf shears rather than forcing whole slabs to fit. On sloped ground run the rows across the slope so they do not slide before rooting in.
Step 6: Roll and water in
A light roll presses the turf into full contact with the soil, then water deeply straight away. On hot days water each section as you finish it rather than waiting until the whole lawn is down.
Step 7: The first six weeks
Water deeply every day for the first three weeks, mornings are best. Give it its first mow around week four on your mower's highest setting, then follow up with a feed. The full schedule is in Caring for Your Lawn.
Laying day tips
Fresh-cut turf is a living, perishable product. In hot weather it can start to burn if it's left stacked on pallets in the sun, so the golden rule is simple: get it down the same day it arrives.
A few pieces looking slightly dry or curling at the edges as you lay is normal, especially in warm weather. As long as it's watered in well straight after, it'll bounce back within a day or two.
Once everything's down and rolled in, head to our Caring for Your Lawn guide for exactly how much to water and when it's safe to mow through the first six weeks.
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