How to Lay Turf

From soil to stunning — how to lay turf the right way.

Laying turf gives you an instant, lush lawn — when done correctly. With good preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your turf takes root, grows strong, and looks great for years.

1. Plan Ahead & Order Turf

  • Order your turf in advance, so it arrives just before you’re ready to lay it

  • Check delivery timing and storage: turf should be laid the same day to avoid drying out

  • Measure your space carefully so you order the right amount (plus a little extra for cuts/edges). Why not use our handy turf calculator

2. Ground Preparation (Key to Success)

  1. Remove existing vegetation & debris

    • Use a turf cutter, shovel or spade to clear sod, weeds, stones, roots, etc.

  2. Loosen and level the soil

    • Dig or rotovate to 15–20 cm depth

    • Add our turf base (our mix  of compost and whin dust) to fill low spots and improve fertility

  3. Firm the surface

    • Using feet or a light roller, gently firm the soil so it’s stable (but not overly compacted)

    • Avoid foot-prints deeper than about 1cm

3. Laying the Turf

  • Begin along a straight edge (house wall, path, etc.)

  • Lay the rolls tightly together (but don’t stretch them)

  • Stagger the joints — as with bricks — to avoid long seams

  • Use a sharp knife to cut to fit edges and curves

  • After laying a roll, press it down gently to ensure good soil contact

  • Avoid walking directly on the fresh turf — use planks, sarkin boards or stepping stones to distribute weight

4. Watering & Early Care

  • Immediately after laying, water thoroughly — the new turf and soil below should be moist

  • Continue watering regularly (usually daily or as required) until the turf is established

  • Avoid overwatering (which can rot roots) and underwatering (which can dry out turf)

  • Monitor moisture and rainfall — adjust watering accordingly

5. First Mowing & Establishment

  • Wait until the turf is fully rooted before mowing

  • Set your mower to a high setting on the first cut to avoid stressing the grass

  • Gradually reduce mowing height over subsequent cuts toward your desired level

  • Maintain a regular mowing and watering regime

  • After a few cuts and some growth, your lawn will settle into its full look

6. Maintenance & Tips

  • Fertilise periodically to keep growth healthy

  • Aerate, scarify, and topdress as needed (in line with your lawn care plan)

  • Avoid heavy use for early weeks while roots are developing

  • Deal with edges and transitions carefully — install edging or barriers if necessary

  • Watch for pests, disease, or patchiness, and reseed or repair promptly

Related Guidance

Turf Watering Guide      Lawn Aeration

Turf Guides