Segment: Trade Secrets for New Lawns
Episode: Spring 2019, Ep06
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
TX Date: 12th October 2019

When laying a new lawn, soil prep is extremely important, and two tools that will help you get the job done are the top soil spreader, and a good quality rake.

• You need to make sure your rake is strong enough to handle heavy duty action. Be sure to go for quality, as weak, cheap rakes will break.
• A good rake, such as from the Ames range, will be perfect for your lawn - with a 90-degree bend for extra strength, and a solid hardwood, lacquered handle, this is a great all-around rake. On top of that, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
• Turning your rake over will help to fine tune your soil, however the top soil spreader will do a much better job.
• The trick with a top soil spreader is to get nice and low so that the spreader almost glides over the surface, gently adjusting and spreading.
• Like the rake, these come with a hardwood, lacquered handle – a little bit longer for the long reaching strokes, and the head is made from galvanised steel, meaning it will last longer.
• Top dressing is sometimes needed to fill in low spots, but it is also a great way to feed your lawn with organic materials and microbes.
• A specialist top dressing soil mix that is high in sand will be perfect – though don’t go too thick, or you may choke your lawn. You should always be able to see some green showing through.

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