INSTALLATION AND MAINTAINANCE OF YOUR TURF

Initial Installation

Remove all building waste and weeds
Spread a free draining soil to a depth of 7-15cm (roots can penetrate much deeper) or loosen ground and mix in appropriate soil conditioners. Phone your supplier for more advice on this option. For sandy soils, simply mix in organic material and rotary hoe.
Level the surface using a screeding board, lawn leveller or similar device.
Apply a low analysis fertilizer with an N:P:K of approximately 5:6:5 or lawn starter fertilizer to the surface and incorporate with a rake.
In hot months, moisten the soil but do not make the soil too wet. Do not lay turf on hot, dry soil.
Lay turf as soon as possible after delivery.
On hot days, lay a section of turf and lightly water. Repeat until all turf is laid. On cool days, turf can be laid all at once. Roll and water thoroughly within one hour of laying turf.
Water thoroughly for 7-10 days or until turf is established. Take care that the water is saturating the soil beneath the turf. In colder months, the turf will take longer to establish. The turf should not dry out until roots are established.
When the soil has firmed and the turf has rooted down, usually 2-3 weeks after laying (longer during winter), mow lightly to tidy up the lawn.

Mow every 7-21 days in the hot months and every 3-8 weeks in the cold months.
Mowing height will vary: 2-5cm in sunny/lightly shaded situations, 5-7cm in heavier shaded situations.

Water thoroughly and regularly after turf has been laid to encourage a deep and vigorous root system (turf will be able to fossick for water and therefore be more able to withstand hot dry conditions).
Once the root system has fully established, water thoroughly only when needed-when a slight wilting is visible, usually once every 7-10 days in summer (on sandy soils more often), with much less or no water in cooler months.
Remember that infrequent, deep watering promotes a healthy lawn.
Over watering encourages excessive growth, disease and root rot.
It is best to water in the early morning; night watering is not recommended.

Lawns need to be fed to remain strong and healthy.
Use a complete slow release fertiliser in early April and early September.
If you need a quick green up, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote a lush green lawn- e.g. Supergreen or organic based slow release fertilisers. In the heat of summer avoid over fertilising or using manure based products.