Turf laying mistakes that you should learn to avoid
If you have decided to lay down turf on your own, you need to be aware that while the task is by no means complicated, there are many mistakes you can make. Ultimately, you want the job done to the highest standard, as that guarantees your lawn will look its best. In that sense, it is often a good idea to consider the help of professionals.
If you wish to tread the DIY path, be mindful of these common mistakes:
Overlapping areas of turf
Perhaps one of the most common mistakes people make with turf is creating overlapping areas. When the slabs go over one another, the look of the lawn will be quite uneven. What you have to do is measure up space correctly and then consider the size of the turf slabs. Ideally, you want to space out the pieces in such a way as to leave some space in there. To avoid overlapping, you should stagger the pieces so that the corners of each row are different.
You don’t clear out the debris beforehand
It is essential to lay down turf in a fully clean area. Rocks, branches and other solid debris will create an uneven turf if you don’t properly take care of the base before you proceed. Professionals always like to clear out everything and invest time to go through this step, as it is essential.
You rush with the mowing
Experts recommend that you go over the turf with a roller after laying it. This is so that the grass can better take root within the topsoil. Still, that doesn’t mean you should rush with the mowing. This can literally pull it from the roots, as it is still quite loose. You need to give it a chance to take root, which is usually 2-3 weeks after laying the turf. After that, you can mow without too big of a risk.
You don’t use any fertiliser
One major point of concern is the grass not taking root fast enough. There is a big chance for this if you forget to fertilise the topsoil before laying down the grass. Remember, grass needs to develop a healthy root system to provide a good lush look and create a consistent look of the lawn. Pick a natural fertiliser and use it before getting the grass ready.
You buy turf early and leave it lying around
Ideally, you want to get the turf the day you are about to install it. It is a mistake to buy it too early and have it sit around for some time before you get to lay it. Fresh turf has the best chance of growing successfully, so make sure that is the case with yours.
You want to do the task yourself without enough experience
Laying turf may seem easy at first, but as you can see, there are many things to consider. After all, you want your lawn to look good, which can only happen if you properly deal with turf laying. Sometimes it is much better to consult with experts on the matter. They will not only get the job done for you but also help you in choosing the right turf so that you enjoy the results.
Evidently, turf laying is not as straightforward as it seems at first glance. You should be careful when you have chosen the DIY path, or else you will end up with a lawn that is less than ideal.