Preparation for Laying Turf
Laying high-quality turf can transform your garden instantly, but it is what is underneath that really counts. Even if you buy the best turf, poor soil quality can cause it to struggle or decline over time.
That is why proper preparation for laying turf is the first and most important step. Well-prepared soil gives your new lawn a healthy, nutrient-rich base to root into. It helps the grass grow quickly and avoid common problems like patchy growth, poor drainage, and weak roots.
Here is our step-by-step guide to preparing your ground for turf.
1. Remove Existing Lawn
Preparation for laying turf should always start with removing your old lawn. You cannot lay fresh turf on top of already established grass.
For new turf to grow properly, it needs direct contact with the bare soil. Old grass creates a physical barrier that stops this from happening. As a result, the turf may not root well, leading to a bumpy and uneven lawn. Leaving the old grass in place also prevents proper soil preparation, as you cannot access the ground beneath.
- For small areas: Using a spade to cut under the grass and dig it up is a great way to clear the ground.
- For large areas: Digging by hand could take a very long time. In this case, you should consider hiring a turf cutter. A turf cutter is a self-propelled machine designed to remove turf in neat strips, making it a much quicker and more efficient method.
Once the old lawn has been removed, it can either be disposed of or used to create compost. To compost it, simply stack it grass-side down in your compost bin and let it break down naturally over time.
2. Clear any Plants, Weeds and Debris
Once the old lawn is gone and the bare soil is exposed, you need to remove any leftover plants, weeds, and larger debris.
Leaving weeds in the soil can result in them coming back through your new turf, competing with your grass for vital nutrients and slowing down its growth. Large debris, like rocks or rubble, will create poor soil structure, likely leading to an uneven lawn. However, a few small stones left in the soil are absolutely fine, as they actually help with drainage.
Depending on the size of the area, this clearing can be done by hand, using a garden spade, or with machinery. If you come across any plants you want to keep, make sure to move them to a safe part of the garden out of the way. Any weeds you pull up can either be thrown away or added to your compost heap.
Give Your New Lawn the Perfect Foundation
If your existing soil is full of clay, sand, or heavy rubble, your new turf will struggle to root.
Save time on difficult ground preparation and guarantee a thriving lawn by adding a fresh layer of our premium, nutrient-rich topsoil. It creates a smooth, level base that new grass roots love.
3. Test and Amend the PH Level of the Soil
In order for turf to truly thrive, your soil's pH levels should be between 6.0 and 7.0. This ideal balance ensures that the essential nutrients the grass needs, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are easily available to the plant.
Most garden centres sell simple kits that allow you to test your soil's pH at home, while some offer a service where you can send a sample away to be analysed. Knowing your pH allows you to tailor the right treatment before laying your lawn.
- If the pH is too high: You can add sulphur to lower it.
- If the pH is too low: It can be raised by adding lime.
If you do not want to test your soil, you can simply add some slow-release general fertiliser to it instead. This will safely increase all nutrient levels in your soil and improve its structure, giving your new turf an all-round boost.
4. Turn the Soil
Turning the soil loosens and breaks up compacted earth. This is a crucial step because young turf roots naturally grow downwards in search of nutrients and water. Loosening the ground reduces resistance, allowing the roots to penetrate deeply. This results in a stronger, healthier lawn that can handle heavy foot traffic and difficult weather conditions, such as summer droughts.
- For small gardens: Use a standard spade or garden fork to turn the earth.
- For large areas: Consider hiring a powered cultivator (rotavator) to make light work of the task.
You should aim to dig down to a minimum depth of 10cm, though 15cm is highly recommended. If you find your soil is too shallow or difficult to work with, this is the perfect time to dig in a layer of high-quality topsoil to instantly improve the ground's structure and nutrient profile.
5. Rake and Firm the Soil
Raking and levelling your soil is the secret to a professional finish and will keep your lawn healthy for years to come. An uneven lawn is incredibly frustrating to mow, as the mower will scalp the high spots and miss the dips. Uneven ground also creates poor drainage; water will collect in the hollows, inviting lawn diseases and pest infestations.
- Step 1: Rake the surface. Start by raking the soil in multiple directions to produce a smooth, level surface, breaking down or removing any remaining large clumps of earth.
- Step 2: Firm the ground. Next, you need to firm the soil to remove hidden air pockets that could cause your new turf to sink over time. You can use a garden roller, or simply 'heel in' the ground by foot. To do this, put your weight on your heels and shuffle methodically across the entire area.
- Step 3: Rake again. Treading the ground will immediately reveal any soft spots or dips. Rake these newly found uneven patches level, and repeat the heeling process until the entire area is consistently firm and flat.
What's Next?
Now that your ground is clear, level, and nutrient-rich, you are ready for the exciting part. To find out exactly how to lay your fresh rolls of grass, head over to our comprehensive How to Lay Turf Guide. Now it's time to order your turf! We have a range of products guaranteed to suit your needs, all available for next-day delivery. Shop our range of turf.
