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

Join Mr Fothergills & Darlac in The Chelsea Chop

RHS Celebrates National Gardening Week

BIG Changes for RHS Shows

A Good Garden Boosts Property Price More than Extending

Gardening Projects for April

---

How to sow large seed

How to: Lily Scaling

How to control slugs

How to keep a lawn drained

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How to Grow Orchids

Colour from Autumn to early Summer

Planting Vegetables in Succession

Potting Cacti

Pruning a Rose Bush

Seed Sowing

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Melbourne, Australia

Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh, Morocco

Monet's Garden, Giverny
Giverny, France

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand

Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa