Clearing the Site

Rid the site of weeds and grasses, particularly Kikuyu.  This is best done by spraying with Glyphosate (Roundup) a minimum of ten (10) days prior to laying the turf.

• Rotary hoe or spade the soil to a depth of 10cm.
• Remove debris including sticks, stones and roots.
• Smooth the soil by raking.
• Review soil condition and type and apply fertiliser.

Soil Types

• Most turf types prefer and perform best on a light sandy soil.  In locations where the subsoil has a high proportion of sand the application of an additional soil mix is unnecessary.
• Many building sites will have their top soil removed.  In situations where the clay subsoil is exposed a direct application of natural gypsum at a rate of 1 kilogram per square metre is recommended.  Followed by up to a 200 mm dressing of 80% course river sand, 20% soil mix, as recommended by your soil supplier.
• On good soil sites the addition of an additional soil mix may not be required.  However, in order to assist the leveling of the site a course river sand, as recommended by your supplier, could be applied at a rate 1.5 tonnes per 100 square metres.
• Turf underlay soil – spread to a depth of 50-100mm, depending on your site soil. You will need to order 1m³ of underlay for every 20m² of turf area if you are putting it at 50mm depth. If organic compost such as manure is used, ensure it is well composted. Level off soil with a rake and then firm by watering.

Measuring and Ordering

• Use a tape measure to measure the site.  (length and width)
• With these measurements call Millers and we will help you to calculate the amount of turf required – please note unusual features – trees, shadows from buildings etc. and discuss these with a representative.
• For Millers to contact you please complete our online order form by clicking here.

Laying Turf

• Where possible start at a straight line to lay your turf.  eg driveway
• Lay turf is a brickwork pattern.
• Lay out the turf as you would a rug.
• Make sure that each roll of turf is butted against each other. (do not overlap)
• Use a large knife to cut around flower beds etc.
• Roll the turf to smooth and to reduce air pockets.
• Water to saturation point immediately when the job is finished with the equivalent of 20mm of rain.
• Start watering approximately 20 minutes after the first strip has been laid.
• Thereafter a level of moisture sufficient to encourage strong root growth should be maintained.
• For more information about watering visit Lawn Care.