The first thing to do when preparing to lay an instant turf is to make sure there is no grass or weeds growing
on the site. If you need to remove 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.
When you are laying out instant lawn, you need to prepare your soil. The best top soil for your new lawn is
sandy loam. 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.
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 lawn will come up level with the borders.
