Step-by-step plan for laying turf

Turf is best laid in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there is usually enough rainfall for the grass to grow well. Spring offers ideal conditions as the soil gets warmer and we are at the beginning of the growing season, while autumn is also favourable as the soil is still warm and there is less chance of extreme heat. It is possible to lay turf in the summer, but it can be a bit more challenging due to high(er) temperatures and reduced rainfall. Additional and timely watering during this period is therefore necessary.

Below is a step-by-step plan for laying turf:

Tillage

Remove all debris, stones, root stumps and weeds from the surface. Use a rake and garden tiller/spade to loosen and then level the soil. Make sure the soil is well dug, at least 30 centimetres deep. This will allow excess water in the soil to drain away and/or be drained to the right point. This means your turf will also grow better.
When levelling the ground, make sure that it is approximately 1.5 - 2.0 centimetres lower than the adjacent turf or street. The 1.5 - 2.0 centimetres is important here, because the turf is 2 centimetres thick and the soil will settle naturally. As a result, after laying the turf, you will see a nice transition between the adjacent turf or paving and your new lawn.

With good preparation you will have a great result, so please take your time

Soil improver

To improve the quality of the soil, we recommend compost or Heijnen planting soil. It is important to mix the compost and planting soil well before spreading it on your soil. Improving your soil will also make your lawn grow faster and better, so you can enjoy your lawn sooner.

Be careful not to lay the lawn turf directly on the compost and planting soil to avoid burning the grass roots.

After you have provided your soil with compost and planting soil, level the soil again and sprinkle the soil with sufficient water so that the substances can also penetrate into the soil. Now you can distribute the organic starter fertilizer over the surface. After the turf has been laid and everything has been watered, this quickly soaks into the soil and gives the soil plenty of nutrients for the grass to grow well.

Laying a lawn

Our turf is delivered before 1 p.m. on the agreed delivery day. The grass mats are cooled back to 3°C through special cooling. If possible, the turf should be laid immediately after delivery. If this is not possible, it is important to place the turf in the shade and, if possible, roll it out and sprinkle it with water.
After soil preparation, start laying the lawn turf. If possible, you can lay the mats as a whole or you can cut the rolls. You can use a sharp knife to cut the rolls.
Make sure that the seams fit well together to get an even, tight grass pattern. Always place the rolls alternately, just like when laying laminate. Take into account approximately 5% cutting loss of small pieces of turf that remain and are unusable.

Rolling turf

Next, roll the turfs firmly with a grass roller to make sure they make good contact with the ground. If necessary, you can also push the turf gently with your feet, but be careful not to move the turf.

Watering

Immediately after laying, water the turf generously to promote growth. Watering causes the turf to sink in a little more, allowing the roots to make better contact with the soil.
In the first weeks after laying the turf, daily watering is necessary. Keep the soil moist, but do not overdo it by making the soil soaking wet. Sufficient moisture promotes the growth and adhesion of the turf.
Once established, the turf can generally provide itself with water. However, in case of persistent drought, timely watering is recommended. This promotes growth and prevents the lawn from turning a yellow-brown colour.

Further information

It is not recommended to quickly walk over your newly laid lawn, as this may cause the turf to shift or sag, especially if it has just been watered. It is best to leave the grass alone for about 2 weeks and walk on it as little as possible. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to move the sprinkler, for example. If this is the case, walk with great strides and avoid wet parts of the lawn.
Turf should be well rooted before it can be mowed for the first time. It is generally advised to let the turf grow for about 10 to 14 days before mowing it for the first time. When mowing your turf for the first time, it is crucial to use the right cutting height for a healthy lawn. A recommended practice is to set the mower slightly higher than normal when mowing the turf for the first time. A height of about 5-7 centimetres is considered ideal. Never mow away more than 1/3 of the grass height. If the grass has grown a bit longer, mow away 1/3, wait 2-3 days and mow away another 1/3. By leaving the grass slightly longer, you will encourage the development of strong roots and contribute to a good recovery of the lawn after laying the turf.
To ensure that the lawn continues to grow well and maintains its beautiful green colour, temporary fertilisation is recommended. About 4 to 6 weeks after laying the turf, the lawn can be fertilised. Use an organic fertiliser to prevent burning (with fertiliser, for instance) of the lawn. It is recommended to fertilise the lawn about three times a year, namely in spring, summer and autumn.

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