Natural Instant Grass, Lawn & Turf Laying Guide
[remember Paul Munns Instant Lawn will deliver FREE to your door all orders over 25m² in the Adelaide Metro area]
STEP 1: Measuring Site and Ordering Turf
Measure the marked out lawn area to find out how many square metres of lawn you will need to buy.
If you need advice on how to measure just contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you. We require 2 days notice when ordering.
STEP 2: Site and Soil Preparation
The first thing to do when preparing to lay an instant turf is to make sure there are no grass or weeds growing on the site. To remove any weeds and grass, mark out where the instant turf will go, then spray the area with a glyphossate base chemical (like roundup, no-grow etc).
Leave the area for 2 weeks, then remove all dead grass and weeds.
Before you lay out instant lawn you need to prepare your soil. The best top soil for your new lawn is sandy loam. To achieve the perfect soil base, you need to know what type of soil you have to start with:
If you have sandy loam already, all you need do is turn it over and level it. Sandy soils will require garden loam to be mixed with it for a new lawn. If you have a poor, heavy or clay soil, you need to remove the top layer to allow for the sandy loam. After removing the top layer, rotary hoe in 1kg/m² of gypsum before applying the sandy loam. Once the top soil has been spread, level and roll. The ideal depth of sandy loam top soil is between 50 and 100 mm. If you are unsure of your soil type, bring a sample to us at Brighton for a free appraisal. We will tailor a soil preparation guide for you.
After the top soil has been spread, roughly level it with a rake, then roll it with a water filled roller. Finish the surface off with a soil screed. Screeds and water filled rollers can be hired from your local hire shop.
When preparing the soil remember to keep the level of soil 25mm below your edges to allow for the thickness of the lawn when you lay it. This way the turf will come up level with the borders.
STEP 3: Installing Turf
On delivery of the turf, remove the plastic, give it a light water and begin rolling it out as soon as possible. Note that grass in a rolled up state will deteriorate quickly. Kikuyu must be laid the same day as delivery.
Once the soil has been prepared apply a suitable fertiliser and wetting agent before laying your instant lawn. We recommend you take advantage of over 40 years local experience and use 10kg Lawn Starter Fertiliser and 10kg Lawn Soaker Wetting Agent. Mixed together, these products will cover 100m². For smaller areas use smaller proportions and apply the remainder at 4-6 weeks after laying.
When you begin laying the turf, butt the rolls closely together and cut the turf to fit using secateurs or a serrated knife. When you have finished laying, roll the turf again with a water filled roller then give the whole area a thorough water. You will need to feed your instant turf at 3-4 weeks but make sure you find a fertiliser that is suitable. We recommend Paul Munns Instant Lawn Fertiliser. This will help your lawn to establish faster.
STEP 4: Maintenance
The first 2-3 weeks of your new instant turf's life is important. Water as per the SA Water Permit for New Lawns. If any areas go blue/grey or discoloured, water these grass areas as required with a bucket or watering can (if restrictions allow) in addition to the watering regime already suggested.
At approximately 15-20 days, your turf will have began to establish and you can give it a light mow.
When laying lawn in hot weather make sure you obtain a copy of our "Care Guide for Laying Turf in Hot Weather".
STEP 5: Fertilising
Between 2 and 3 months after installing a new lawn, a regular fertilising program must begin. This correct fertiliser program will help achieve the following benefits:
- Less water use
- Greater environmental hardiness
- Deeper grass colour
- Greater resistance to pests and diseases
We recommend the following:
SPRING - Paul Munns Green Keeper Lawn Fertiliser with trace elements
SUMMER - Paul Munns Organic Lawn Food