DOING IT YOURSELF

Cultivating turf allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time consuming hassles of seeding. The following are basic steps to a beautiful lawn. Call an all turf solutions professional for further recommendations for your specific area and turf type.

Step 1

Measuring & Ordering

Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn. With a tape, measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width and any unusual features. We will be happy to determine the amount of turf you need from your sketch. Schedule your order for delivery after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install.

Step 2

Soil Preparation

For best result, till or spade the area to a depth of 100 to 150 mm. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.
Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of one of our qualified consultants. Then rake in the fertilizer, lime, organics, compost, etc. as needed to a depth of 50 mm to 150 mm. Rake and smooth soil removing rocks, roots, and large clods. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade 25 mm below sidewalks and driveways.
Water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 150 mm is recommended for most soils. Some soils become soupy when they are initially wetted so allow time for the free water to drain.

Step 3

Turf Installation

Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! In hot weather, protect un-laid turf by placing pallets in the shade.
Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not hold moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope. To avoid causing indention's or air pockets avoid repeated walking or kneeling on turf while it is being installed or just after watering.
After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf-soil contact.
Caution - During first two weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil, and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

Step 4

Watering

Give your new lawn at least 25 mm of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water at least daily, and more often in hot dry weather, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.
Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods.
Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

Step 5

Maintenance

Your new lawn will increase your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, clean playing surface, and an improved environment.
Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Keep your mower blades sharp. Follow mowing recommendations for your type of lawn or as always you can consult with a professional from All Turf Solutions.
Fertilizers and chemical applications will depend on turf type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions.