What do you need to consider before Turfing?

We have done a variety of turfing jobs recently, and this got us thinking that it might be useful to share our top tips of things to consider before turfing.

Now you might be thinking, you just pick up some turf and get laying! But believe us when we say, the key to getting that perfect lawn you desire, is in the planning and prep work.

Below we outline the key areas we recommend you think through before tackling your turfing:

• ​Map out the area to be turfed - This is a crucial first step. It's one thing to talk about where you want the turf, but to actually map it out on the ground allows you to visualise if it looks how you were imagining. You can then see if you need to adjust the area you are covering. This will also allow you to measure the area more accurately. And remember to measure twice, as you wouldn't want to run out of turf mid way through laying it!
  

• Edging - Depending upon where the turf is going to be laid, you may need edging around it. This needs to be mapped into your costs and the installation process. There are many types of edging from stone, wood, plastic, metal etc and your choice depends on the area and your aesthetic preferences. 

• Lawn height - Before you lay the turf, you will need to prepare the soil and make sure it's suitable to give the turf the best chance of establishing and providing you with a lush lawn. This may mean removing some of the existing soil and bringing in additional top soil. Make sure the height of any removal and additions of soil are factored into the overall height of the lawn, as you will also need to allow for the height of the turf itself.

• Borders - If you are going to be adding boarders around your newly laid lawn, and these will be planted, ensure to factor this in to your schedule to plant up the boarders first before laying the turf. The last thing you want is to be traipsing over freshly laid turf to plant your boarders and ruining all your hard work.

• Practicality of cutting - An obvious one, but something that many people can forget when creating their beautiful garden designs. If your turf is going to be laid into tight corners or around objects in the garden, just be mindful of how you will be able to cut the grass before going ahead and laying it. 

• Time of year of laying - This is an actively debated subject amongst the landscaping community, as some champion only laying turf at certain times of the year. Personally, the only time we wouldn't recommend is baking hot summer days as the turf will dry out very quickly, and you have to ensure you are watering very regularly to give the lawn a chance. And of course if the ground is frozen. Apart from that, as long as you do the prep work needed and water the turf the appropriate amount for the time of year you are laying it, then you should be ok.

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• Be ready before you order the turf - Lastly, after all the hard work of planning for turfing, ensure you have the area fully prepped and ready before you order and pick up or have the turf delivered. That also includes have the appropriate laying tools at hand. You want to be ready to get laying the minute the turf arrives so it doesn't go to waste.

We hope our tips on what to consider before turfing have been useful. If you need any further advice feel free to get in touch.