How to Prepare Your Garden for New Turf: A Complete Guide : Grasslands

Before laying a beautiful new lawn have a read through our Lawn Laying Preparation Guide. Proper ground preparation is essential for successful establishment and long-term health.

Preparation

Ensure the site is well drained and that the surface debris such as loose stones, weeds and old turf have been removed. As your lawn will ideally need 6 cm – 15 cm of good soil, rotovate or dig to a depth of 10cm – 12cm. After breaking down any lumps, firm and level the soil by treading or rolling the surface if dry enough and then raking it. This should be repeated until the ground is level, smooth and evenly consolidated, but not compacted. Before laying the turf, rake into the soil approximately 28g of bonemeal or general purpose compost fertiliser per square meter.

Ordering

Turf should be ordered at least 3 or 4 days in advance of laying. It is advisable to order a little extra to allow for cutting, shaping and mismeasurement. The turf should be laid the day it arrives on site. Do not order the turf until preparation is complete in case the weather changes for the worse and prevents completion.

Aftercare Essentials

After laying your new turf, water thoroughly and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid walking on the new lawn for at least 2-3 weeks to allow roots to establish properly. The first mowing should only be done when the grass reaches 5-7cm in height, cutting just the top third.

Following these preparation steps will significantly improve the success of your new lawn, whatever variety you choose. Whether you’re installing our hard-wearing Rysport Turf, environmentally-friendly Clover Rich Eco Turf, or biodiversity-supporting Floral or Species Rich options, proper preparation ensures your investment thrives for years to come.

Our products

Turf

Soil

All our turf is grown to the highest possible ecological standards. At Grasslands, we are PROUDLY PLASTIC FREE.

Our turf is matured over a longer period without the use of environmentally harmful plastic webbing, unlike many growers. Our wildflower range is field-grown, eliminating the need for acres of single-use plastic as a separation layer.