Grass
Laying turf
A finished lawn in one day — bonding, watering and care
Turf gives you a finished lawn straight away, but the result depends entirely on the soil beneath and on watering afterwards. This guide shows soil preparation, laying in staggered bond edge to edge, first rolling and the critical watering — with figures from DLF's laying instructions and NfA's topsoil requirements.
Prepare and level the ground
Turf reveals poor soil — preparation is the most important step. Make sure the topsoil layer is well worked and level (NfA: 25–40 cm topsoil, texture and pH 6.5–6.8 as for seeding), remove weeds, roots and stones, and level the surface evenly with the correct fall away from buildings.
Topsoil layer25–40 cm (NfA)pH6,5–6,8Fertilise before laying
Just before laying, fertilise the soil with a guideline 3 kg of lawn fertiliser (e.g. NPK 14-3-15) per 100 m² (DLF), and rake it in lightly. The starter fertiliser feeds the roots so they grow quickly down into the soil below.
Starter fertiliser3 kg/100 m² (DLF)Lay the turf quickly
Turf must be laid within 6 hours of delivery (DLF) — it is highly perishable. Keep the rolls sheltered and in the shade until they are laid, so they do not dry out or heat up in the stack.
Lay in advance6 hours after deliveryStart along a straight edge
Start laying along the longest straight edge (e.g. a terrace, path or a stretched line) and work outwards from there. A straight starting line keeps the rolls running together without going askew.
Lay in bond, edge to edge
Lay the rolls edge to edge without gaps and without overlap, and stagger the joints in bond (like brickwork), so they become less visible (DLF). Avoid stretching the rolls — they shrink, and cracks appear when they dry out.
Cut edges and edge fittings
Trim the turf along edges, beds and manholes with a sharp knife or edging iron. Always lay whole rolls on the exposed edges and fill in cut pieces towards the middle — narrow strips along the edge dry out quickly.
Roll lightly
Roll the lawn lightly after laying so the roots are pressed into contact with the soil and air pockets are removed. Use a light roller — too heavy a roller compacts the soil and inhibits root growth.
Water immediately and generously
Water immediately after laying so the soil under the turf is soaked. During establishment, give a guideline 5–7 mm of water per day, and at temperatures above 24 °C at least 7 mm per day (DLF). Use a rain gauge to check the amount. Insufficient watering is the most common reason why turf fails.
Daily watering5–7 mm/dayAbove 24 °C≥ 7 mm/dayLift a corner of a roll after a few days — the soil underneath should be moist all the way down.
Wait before use — mow and feed again
Keep traffic off for 2–3 weeks while the roots take hold (DLF). Mow for the first time at a height of 3–5 cm and never remove more than 1/3 of the grass mass per cut. After approx. 3 weeks, apply a follow-up feed of a guideline 2–3 kg lawn fertiliser (NPK 14-3-15) per 100 m² (DLF).
Wait before use2–3 weeksMowing height3–5 cmFollow-up fertilising2–3 kg/100 m²
Source
Based on DLF's guidance on laying and maintaining turf (soil preparation, fertiliser NPK 14-3-15, watering, mowing) and NfA (topsoil layer, texture); watering and fertiliser figures are DLF guideline values.