Home > Projects >

How to turf a lawn

You will need: Spade, rake, turf, board.

Laying turf to create a lawn gives an instant effect and laying it properly means it will be easier to look after for years to come. Seek out good quality turf, preferably from a specialist and choose a time when the weather is mild and the soil warm.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

A good lawn is a long-term project, so start with a good base. Good drainage is essential, so dig over (if necessary) to loosen the soil, then rake to level it and remove stones. Add fertiliser and rake lightly into the soil.

Step 2

Starting at the furthest point, unroll the turf and lay it along a straight edge. It should be green and healthy-looking, not yellow.

Step 3

Lay brick-pattern, so the joints are staggered and press firmly so each roll is in good contact with the soil beneath.

Step 4

Use a board to firm the grass and save damaging it or creating depressions. Work loose soil into the joints to help the turves knit together quickly. Water well after laying to stop the turf drying and shrinking.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

How Rising Living Costs Are Impacting Britain's Green Spaces

Stiga's 'We Care That You Care' Campaign Continues!

Top 10 Plants Year round Fragrance

RHS Gardens Announce Summer Events with The Great Garden Adventure & Shaun the Sheep

Gardening Projects for July

---

How to protect plants from heat

How to water when on Holiday

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to Divide Hemerocallis

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Rooting Cuttings

Potting on lilies

Gap Filling

Growing Strawberries in Hanging Baskets

Growing Zinnias

Growing Asparagus, Lettuce and Parsnips

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The New York Botanical Garden
New York, United States

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo, Japan

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa