Natural Instant Grass, Lawn & Turf Laying Guide
[remember Paul Munns Instant Lawn will deliver FREE all orders over 30m2 in the Adelaide Metro area, Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge]
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. Order and pay by 11am for next day delivery, Tuesday to Saturday.
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 1 week, 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 Irrigation System
If you have decided to use an irrigation system, this should be installed before adding loam and putting the turf down. Irrigation systems are the most water-efficient and time-convenient way of keeping your lawn green, especially with droughts and water restrictions, so they are definitely worth considering. Paul Munns Instant Lawn stock the complete range of irrigation systems and can help you find the right one for your lawn, as well as install it for you, or give you instructions on how to do it yourself.
As there are a range of irrigation systems to choose from, and each one requires different installation, we haven't included instructions here. However, talk to us and we'll give you the advice you need.
STEP 4: 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 or after laying your instant lawn. We recommend you take advantage of over 40 years local experience and use 10kg organic lawn feed and 10kg Lawn Soaker Wetting Agent. 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 5: Maintenance
The first 2-3 weeks of your new instant turf's life is important. Water as per SA Water, Water Wise Measures. If any areas go blue/grey or discoloured, water these grass areas as required with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, bucket or watering can, in addition to the watering regime already suggested.
As a guide, new lawns need to be watered at least 3 times per day (morning, lunch and afternoon) for the first 2-3 weeks
At approximately 15-20 days, your turf will have began to establish and you can give it a light mow.
STEP 6: 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