Many of the questions we are asked about lawn relate to specific varieties of turf, however some are more general in nature, relating to lawn care and install of turf. Here we explore our most frequently asked lawn questions. Do you know the answers?
What size are the rolls of turf?
Typically 1 roll equals 1 metre squared. Rolls are 585mm wide and 1.7m long. Rolls generally weigh around 15kg each when dry.
How long will turf keep before it needs to be laid?
This depends on the weather but a general rule is 1-2 days during cooler months and 24 hours during hotter months. We also recommend storing your turf in the shade.
How do I calculate the number of metres of turf I need?
Multiply two sides of the area you are turfing ie. 10m x 7m = 70m2. To determine the area of a triangle – base x height, divided by 2 ie. 10m x 5m = 50m / 2 = 25m2.
For a circle – 3.14 x radius x radius ie. 3.14 x 3m x 3m = 28.26m2
Don’t forget to add a little extra to your turf order to ensure you are fully covered.
You can get more information on measuring your lawn area here
What type of soil should I use under my new turf?
We recommend a 60:40 sand:soil mix which you can obtain from your local landscape supplier; however most soils – from sandy loan to a heavy darker soil- can be used as well as there is good drainage. If you already have good soil then you may just need to undertake weed/old turf removal and add some sandy topsoil to aid in levelling.
How to I prepare for laying turf on clay?
Gyspum is a clay breaker which should be put down first and incorporated well in to the soil with a rotary hoe.
How much soil do I need?
50mm is fine but 100mm is better. Keep in mind that many turf varieties, such as Sir Walter DNA Certified turf, will penetrate the soil to a depth of approx. 600mm if good irrigation exists. The deeper the soil, the deeper the roots will penetrate and the more drought tolerant your lawn will become.
How many square metres of turf will fit into a box trailer?
About 30m2 of turf will fit in a small 6x4ft box trailer and 40m2 in a large 8x4ft box trailer. This depends on the variety of turf but just ask when you order if you’re planning on picking it up yourself.
How many rolls of turf make up a pallet?
Typically, using Sir Walter as a guide, 55-60 rolls of turf will fit on a standard pallet. At Daleys Turf we use a palletless delivery system so you don’t have to worry about disposing of the pallets once your new lawn has been installed.
When should I fertilise my lawn?
Fertilise prior to laying your new turf and again two weeks after installing, then every eight weeks for the first twelve months.
Once established, apply fertiliser early spring, early summer and mid autumn. The autumn fertilising is essential for the lawn to stay greener through winter.
What type of fertiliser should I use?
The right type of fertiliser depends on variations including climate, region and soil type. Generally a slow release balanced NPK lawn food is best, such as Sir Walter Fertiliser that is available from our online store and most Sir Walter suppliers.
Alternatively, contact your local nursery for their recommended equivalent.
When and how do I water my lawn?
Newly installed lawn requires extra care, including water, for the first few weeks. Turf must be kept moist until the roots have taken and the new lawn is established.
During hot daylight hours the leaf of the grass should not be allowed to dry out. Watch edge areas near concrete or brick borders as they can suffer the most.
Curling and a grey/yellowy colour of the leaf will tell you when the turf has dried out. New turf should be watered in immediately after laying.
Test for soil moisture with a 100mm or 4 inch probe such as a screwdriver. The ground should be moist to this level. If hot and/or windy, extra watering will be required and each site will have different water requirements depending on soil type, drainage and natural rainfall.
A good way to estimate how much irrigation has been applied is to place an empty container under the spray area of the sprinkler. When 20 mm of water has been collected in the container, move the sprinkler to the next position. After 30 minutes, check to see how deep the water has infiltrated into the soil and reapply irrigation until the 100mm depth has been achieved.
Once the turf has taken root, around 7-10 days in summer and 10-14 days in winter, watering can be decreased to a level that will depend on the climatic conditions. As a guide, when conditions are dry, the lawn should require 2-3 deep waterings in summer per week, or 1 per week in winter, until the full establishment of a deep root system which is approx. 12 months.
Once fully established, one deep watering per week is usually sufficient except in extreme conditions.
When can I mow my newly installed lawn?
The first mowing should not be done until the roots have taken and the turf is knitted – is not easily lifted. The first mowing should only be a light trim and never take more than a third of the leaf off in any single mowing.
For more information on turf, contact the Daleys Turf team today.
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