Story: Turf Laying
Episode: 8
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 9 October 2021

Well-kept lawns are very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Trevor lays down the lawn laws for turf laying in Spring.

• Preparation is key when laying down a new lawn. First, add a free-draining lawn mix as an underlay, this kind of foundation is designed to get the lawn off to the best possible start.
• Once the underlay has been added to the existing sand underneath, it should be laid to approximately 50mm in depth. This is designed to encourage the grass to send roots deep into the soil making it much more drought tolerant.
• Select the turfgrass variety you want for your lawn, such as Buffalo grass, which thrives in a full sun position.
• You can purchase turf as seed, as stolons or runners, and as instant roll on.
• As the lawn is being laid out, apply a slow-release fertilizer. It’s designed to encourage root development.
• The grass is laid in alternating rows in a patchwork that will see it set quicker and easier.
• In some instances, you need to get a plate compactor or a roller to push the grassroots down deeper into the sand and get rid of any air pockets.
• Lastly, it's vitally important it is watered immediately on laying. This soaking will get rid of air pockets and send those roots into the underlay straight away.