If you plan and lay your lawn with care then your new lawn will be easy to look after and stay looking beautiful for years to come.
If you follow the key steps, of preparation, laying & establishment you’ll have a beautiful lawn for years to come.
If you need any specific advice for your project just give us a call on 9753 3282
PRE-PREPARATION
Schedule your turf arrival or pickup after all site preparations have been completed.
1. Plan & Measure
Measure the proposed lawn area in square metres before ordering.
2. Site Preparation
A little care with good soil preparation will greatly simplify the after care of your lawn.
Poor white, grey and yellow sands:
Water and nutrient capacity is greatly increased by blending 1 large bag of pelletised chicken manure and 1 bag of peat to 30-50 sq metres of lawn area, together with 1kg of hydro beads(water absorbing crystals) to 75-100 sq metres.
Black Loam sands:
This soil type requires little amendment if they are naturally friable.
Rocky limestone sands:
Amend as for Poor white, grey and yellow sands and be not less than 25 cm deep above sheet rock. If soil is to be added use Special Lawn Blend available from soil companies, which requires no further additives.
Ironstone or cap rock:
This soil should be covered with at least 25cm of soil for healthy growth. Add gypsum to heavy clays to improve friability and drainage.
Download the Down South Turf Lawn Installation Guide
LAYING
3. Laying your Lawn
Prompt installation alter delivery or pick up is advised. If delays occur, keep turf preferably in the shade and well watered.
Begin laying turf along any straight edged path or driveway butting ends tightly together, then using a baton pull the edges over so as to lightly meet the preceding turf roll or edging.
Stagger end joints as in brick laying.
Cut around garden beds, corners and sprinklers using a large sharp knife.
After installing each section water in well and roll with a heavy roller, or compact with a brick paving compactor to leave a consolidated and beautiful new lawn.
It is strongly advised to lightly topdress buffalo lawns with clean sand, particularly in the warmer months and where rolls butt together.
Download the Down South Turf Lawn Installation Guide
ESTABLISHMENT
4. Watering
90% of problems with lawns can be directed at watering practices.
Soil water repellence results in dry patches in lawns, which is a significant problem on the Perth coastal plain.
Check by adding several drops of water to a soil sample from your awn area. If water takes longer than 5 seconds to soak in, treat with Wetta Soil or an equivalent wetting agent. Repeat if necessary in severe cases.
Newly laid lawn should be watered sufficiently to saturate the turf and the underneath soil.
Remember – long, thorough watering followed by several days without water will encourage a strong, deep root system and a happy, healthy lawn.
Use water wisely.
A guide to establishing a healthy lawn…
0 – 21 days
10 – 5 minutes watering time mornings midday and evening using one extra in periods of extreme heat (35 degrees plus)
21 -30 days
Use 20 minutes once per day early morning
30-60 days
Use 30 minutes every second day
Over 60 days
30- 40 minutes every third day (in cases of extreme heat – over 35 degrees or if wilting occurs water every second day)
Gear drive sprinklers require more time than the recommendations above.
Download the Down South Turf Lawn Installation Guide
5. Ongoing Maintenance
Mow your instant lawn within 10- 15 days of installation (or when lawn has started to take root), thereafter weekly during the summer months to maintain a leaf height between 25mm to 50mm (can be left even longer in areas of shade). Mow longer in late autumn to assist colour retention during winter.
Fertilise Autumn and Spring, preferably with a slow-release fertiliser at the manufacturer’s recommended rates.
For more information and lawn care videos check some our videos on our blog.