Laying turf will transform your outer space and make it look like new. It adds value to your home and is not a challenging task to do even by yourself. Regardless if you have experience in gardening or not, learning how to lay turf is essential knowledge that its good for you to master.
Turf is essentially rolled-up sections of pre-grown grass. This is the best way for you to achieve a healthy lawn when you don’t want to plant seeds and wait for their growth. All you need in order to achieve a better-looking lawn is basic understanding and proper preparation.
In this article, we will introduce you to all the steps that you need to take so you can create a beautiful and inviting lawn and upgrade your outer space. The practical tips and advices we prepared for you will help you achieve your goal in no time and create the lawn of your dreams.

FreePik.com
What Does Turf Mean?
The upper level of soil that is covered with grass, including the root system, is called turf. It is a pre-grown grass that has been planted, harvested and then sold in rolled-up sections. It allows easy and fast moving and installation. With the turf, you can build an instant lawn in your outer space from scratch.
When you are shopping for turf, you purchase and buy a piece of land that has been cultivated and maintained specifically for this purpose. It is cut in a specific way that prevents damages on the grass or the soil and when it is cutted it is ensured that the grass, it’s roots and the soil remains intact and ready to root in it’s new location.
Turf is most commonly used for residential lawns and public parks. It provides an immediate transformation to the outdoor space. It is typically grown by specialised farms that cultivate and manage the grass carefully to ensure it is healthy. After the grass matures enough, the new turf is harvested, rolled up, and transported to the soil surface where it will be laid.
The newly laid lawn turf, when given the right conditions such as frequent watering, fertilising, etc., will grow your outdoor aesthetic and upgrade your space.

FreePik.com
When Is the Best Time to Do It?
The hot weather is not the right time for turf installing and creating a new lawn. In the cooler, wetter months of the year, it’s the best time for laying turf due to the fact that the conditions are ideal for the existing grass to establish its roots. The early autumn and spring are the seasons that are the best for the process. You will need a moderate temperature and rainy and wet weather to help the turf settle and root perfectly.
When you lay turf in early autumn, you allow the grass to establish itself before the winter cold comes. The soil is still warm and ready from the summer, which will encourage root growth, while the cooler air temperatures will reduce the risk of the turf drying out. Choosing the right time to install it will give your turf the right conditions to develop a strong root system that will keep it safe in the winter.
The other good time for laying turf is the spring. The warming temperatures and the increased daylight hours give the turf all that it needs to grow properly. The risk of frosting is minimmised when you choose spring time for installing and also the soil begins to warm up, which makes it easier for the turf to grow a strong roots. Spring rains is another benefit because it provides the turf with natural moisture and this is really important for the new turf.
The summer is not an impossible season for installing turf, but you need to ensure that the turf gets the proper amount of watering and care.

FreePik.com
How to Lay Turf? – Beginners Guide
Laying turf, as we stated before in the article, is definitely not a challenging task and it doesn’t require you to have any type of expertise or experience. You need to be informed and know the details and steps and you’re all set.
Here is the step-by-step guide to turf laying:
Prepare the ground
Of course, the first thing you need to do is to prepare the area on which you will lay turf. First, you need to get rid of any obstacles, such as:
- Grass
- Debris
- Weeds
- Rocks
You can use a spade or garden hoe to remove the top layer of soil as well if you think it will be better. Once you have a clean and clear area in front of you, dig the soil up to a depth of about 15cm. (6 inches) so it can loosen up and be ready for the turf installation. After you have done that as well, level the soil using a rake so you can create a smooth and even surface. Consider adding a level of pre-turfing fertiliser, especially if you are working with poor soil. The last preparation step is to compact the soil lightly in order to ensure that there are no air pockets.
Measure and order turf
Measure the area where you will lay the turf. Make sure you have the correct measurement so you can know for sure exactly how much turf you need to order. Add an extra 5-10% to your measurements to account for cutting and shaping around edges or obstacles. If you have a clean square or rectangular lawn that doesn’t need the turf to be cut or shaped, then order the exact amount that you’ve measured. Order your turf and make sure it will be delivered on the same day that you plan to lay it because it can dry out if you let it wait for a long time.
Lay the turf
Start laying your turf. Unroll the first piece and press it down firmly. Lay the next piece closely against the first and make sure there are no gaps or overlaps. Continue with the installation, until the last piece is put in place.
Water the turf immediately after laying.
After you are done with laying the turf, you must water it thoroughly. The first watering after laying is really important because it sets the pieces together, glues them in the soil and helps the roots start growing. For the first couple of weeks, you must water the turf daily to ensure its stitching and setting into the soil.
Maintain your new turf properly.
After the turf has been laid, watered and taken care of, maintaining it regularly and properly is the most important thing so you can be sure it grows healthy and strong. Once you notice the grass starts growing, reduce the frequency of watering, but keep making sure that the soil is not drying out too.
Another thing you should remember is to avoid walking too much on the area the first few weeks after installing the turf in order to prevent damage. After about three weeks you can start mowing the grass.

FreePik.com
Conclusion
Turf is the best, quickest and easiest way to upgrade your outdoor space to a new level. It will bring beauty to your yard or garden, and it is easy to install and maintain. It may seem like a challenging task at first, but when you get familiar with the process, you understand that you can do it without a problem by yourself, even if you don’t have experience.
By following the steps we provided for you in this article, you will be able to give a new look to your lawn quickly and easily and be proud of your work.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I walk on a newly laid turf?
It’s best to avoid walking on freshly laid turf for at least two to three weeks. This gives the roots time to establish in the soil.
Can I lay turf over existing grass?
It’s not recommended to lay turf over existing grass. Doing so can prevent the new turf from establishing roots properly, leading to an uneven and unhealthy lawn.