4 Common Turfing Mistakes to Avoid
Laying a new lawn is one of the most rewarding garden projects you can undertake. However, if the preparation is rushed or the turf is mistreated upon arrival, your beautiful new grass will struggle to establish.
At Online Turf, we are experts in the growing and supplying of premium turf, and we have seen firsthand exactly what causes a new lawn to fail. Here are the top four turfing mistakes to avoid for a successful, thriving garden.
1. Laying Turf Onto an Unsuitable Base
A very common mistake we see is people laying turf onto an entirely unsuitable base. You cannot lay fresh turf over old grass, sand, concrete, or weed control membranes. These barriers hinder your turf's growth by blocking the young roots from developing down into the ground below.
The Solution
You should only lay turf directly onto bare topsoil so the roots can easily grow down into the earth and access the vital nutrients they need to survive.
If you are laying turf onto a mixture of soil and sand (also known as ‘topdressing’) you should ensure that there is appropriate drainage so that the soil does not become waterlogged and that the sand does not absorb too much moisture away from the roots, drying out the turf.
2. Laying Turf Onto Poor Quality Soil
Laying your turf onto soil is critical, but the quality of that soil matters immensely. Signs of poor-quality soil include:
- Large Debris: Heavy rubble, big rocks, or dense weeds. (A few small stones are fine and actually help with drainage).
- Compacted Clay: A claggy, sticky texture that causes water to pool and puddle on the surface.
- Bone Dry Earth: Soil that is cracked, dusty, and completely impenetrable.
The Solution
Your soil must be soft enough to allow the turf to root in, and moist enough to provide a steady supply of water. If your ground is poor, we strongly recommend digging in a fresh layer of Enriched Topsoil to level uneven areas, break down heavy clay, and create the perfect rooting environment. Read more about soil types in our blog.
Ready for a Flawless Finish?
Do not let poor preparation ruin your hard work. Give your lawn the ultimate foundation with our nutrient-rich Enriched Topsoil, paired with our premium, farm-grown turf.
We cut fresh to order, guarantee a weed-free finish, and deliver directly to your kerbside the very next day.
3. Not Laying the Turf Quickly Enough
Because we harvest our turf the day before delivery, it arrives fresh and full of life. However, turf is a perishable, living plant. A critical mistake is not laying it fast enough.
Turf left rolled up on a pallet will quickly deteriorate, turning yellow or brown. In extreme cases, it becomes dark, smelly, and mouldy, a sure sign that the turf is dead and unrecoverable.
The Solution
We always recommend laying your turf on the exact day of delivery. If that is not possible, follow these seasonal guidelines:
- Spring & Autumn: Lay on the same day as delivery, or within 24 hours at the absolute maximum.
- Summer: In hot weather, you must lay the turf on the same day it is delivered. If you are forced to leave it overnight, unstack the top few layers from the pallet to encourage airflow, and lay it first thing the next morning.
- Winter: Lay on the same day, or within 1–2 days. Never lay turf onto frozen ground.
4. Failing to Water Correctly
Once the turf is down, the job is not over. Failing to water the newly laid grass heavily enough in the first two weeks is the primary reason new lawns shrink, gap, and die.
The Solution:
You need to soak the turf immediately after laying it. The water must penetrate all the way through the turf rolls and into the topsoil beneath. Check this by gently lifting a corner of the turf. If the soil underneath is dry, you need to keep watering!
Our Guide To Laying Turf
For full, step-by-step instructions on preparation and aftercare, read our comprehensive How to Lay Turf Guide.
If you are ready to start your project, use our simple Turf Calculator to get your measurements right, and order your freshly cut premium Rye Gold® Turf today.
