Advantages of Laying New Turf in Spring

Although new turf can also be laid down in the autumn, there are plenty of advantages to creating a fresh lawn during March and April – and preparation work should start before that. Here Madingley Mulch, a leading turf supplier in the Cambridge area, explain why you should really be thinking about it now if you want a lawn which is ready for summer use.

 

The Weather Should be Good Enough

First and foremost, check the forecasts because you want to avoid any sharp frosts which could damage the grass. You also want it to be dry enough to work outside for a day or two.

Don’t worry though if there are any April showers on the way as this could save you the job of watering the turf in the early days. However, if it is reasonably dry, then you should water it daily for between two and four weeks.

 

It Will Promote Root Growth

The milder conditions (and hopefully the right amount of moisture) will help the roots of the grass to become established before the harsher summer weather comes along. The soil itself will be warmer, which also helps promote root growth.

 

You Can Enjoy it in Summer

If you lay the turf in autumn, you then have to wait until the following year before you can fully enjoy it. However, by doing it in the spring, you should see a more immediate return on your investment as you and your family can enjoy it during the summer.

 

Doing the Groundwork – Why You Should Start Now

Before you even think about rolling the turf out, you should prepare the soil you are going to lay the turf on. This means weeding the soil thoroughly and turning or rotating it before digging in some well-rotted compost, mulch or soil improver, which we sell to customers in Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire as well as Cambridgeshire. These include our exclusive products Denise’s Delight or Tony’s Tonic.

Don’t be tempted to use any weedkiller, though, as residual traces of this could remain in the soil after you lay the turf, which could discourage healthy grass root growth. If possible, leave the soil to settle for several days – the longer the better. Also, get the soil level by walking across it in all directions (you can also use a spirit level as a check). Follow this by raking the top layer in all directions.

Once you have bought the turf, make sure you lay it quickly – ideally within 24 hours of purchase. This is because if it remains rolled up, it will quickly discolour and lose some of its strength.

 

Laying the Turf

Start in a corner and avoid stepping on the exposed soil – use planks or boards if necessary. Keep a bucket of soil to hand to add or remove soil as necessary to ensure the ground is level.

When it’s fully laid, spread a thin mixture of sand and soil or compost into any minor gaps – this helps the rolls knit together and establish quickly. Then water the newly-laid turf well and resist the temptation to walk on it because if you do this during the first few days. It is particularly important to do this if you are laying it in the spring – if you lay it in autumn the grass roots usually have more time to establish themselves.

 

Madingley Mulch – Turf Supplier in Cambridge

At Madingley Mulch we stock high-quality turf that has been grown locally in 1m rolls, which you can order here.

We offer you the choice of home delivery or you can come and collect it from us. In addition, we also stock a range of garden tools which could come in handy when you are laying your turf. If you have any questions, you can call us directly on 01954 212144.

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