How to Lay Turf: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Great-Looking Lawn
A freshly laid lawn can completely transform a garden, giving you an attractive green space without having to wait for grass seed to establish. But while laying turf might look straightforward, good preparation is what makes the biggest difference to the finished lawn.
Uneven ground, poorly prepared soil and incorrect watering can all cause problems after turf has been laid. Taking the time to prepare the area properly will help the new grass establish strong roots and create a healthier, longer-lasting lawn.
Whether you're replacing an old lawn or starting from scratch, here's our guide to laying turf successfully.
When Is the Best Time to Lay Turf?
Turf can technically be laid throughout much of the year, provided the ground isn't frozen, waterlogged or extremely dry.
However, spring and autumn are generally the best times to lay a new lawn in the UK.
During these periods, the soil is usually moist and temperatures are relatively mild, helping the turf establish without the intense watering that may be required during hot summer weather.
Autumn can be particularly good because the soil retains warmth while increased rainfall helps keep the newly laid turf moist.
If you lay turf during summer, you'll need to pay particularly close attention to watering.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Lawn and Weeds
Before laying new turf, the area needs to be cleared.
If you're replacing an existing lawn, remove the old grass and as much of the root system as possible. A turf cutter can make this considerably easier when working with larger areas.
Remove:
Existing grass
Weeds
Large roots
Stones
Building debris
Other unwanted material
Don't simply lay new turf directly over an old lawn. Proper soil preparation underneath is essential if you want the new grass to establish successfully.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Once the area is clear, the soil needs to be prepared.
Dig or cultivate the ground to loosen compacted soil and create a suitable environment for the new roots.
For many gardens, working the soil to a depth of around 15cm provides a good starting point.
If the existing soil is particularly poor, compacted or lacking in good-quality topsoil, you may need to improve it before continuing.
Adding suitable topsoil or organic matter can help improve soil structure where necessary.
Step 3: Level the Ground
This is one of the most important stages.
Any bumps, dips or uneven areas underneath the turf are likely to remain visible once the lawn has established.
Rake the soil thoroughly, breaking up large clumps and removing stones as you work.
Aim to create a smooth, even surface with a fine soil texture.
It's worth viewing the area from several different angles to identify any high or low spots that aren't immediately obvious.
Remember that you're preparing the finished shape of your lawn, so don't rush this stage.
Step 4: Firm the Soil
The soil needs to be firm enough to support the turf without being heavily compacted.
One traditional method is to walk slowly across the prepared area using your heels, covering the entire surface. This helps identify softer areas that may subsequently sink.
After firming, lightly rake the surface again to remove footprints and create a fine finish ready for the turf.
The finished ground should be firm, level and free from large stones or debris.
Step 5: Prepare Before the Turf Arrives
Turf is a living product and shouldn't be left rolled up for longer than necessary.
Ideally, complete all your ground preparation before your turf is delivered.
Once turf arrives, aim to lay it as soon as possible.
Rolled turf can heat up and deteriorate surprisingly quickly, particularly during warm weather.
If you can't begin immediately, keep it somewhere cool and shaded and follow the supplier's storage recommendations.
Step 6: Start Laying the Turf
Begin along a straight edge where possible.
Lay the first piece carefully and work outwards across the prepared ground.
Place each roll or piece tightly against the previous one without overlapping it.
Avoid stretching the turf to make it fit. This can create gaps as the grass settles.
Step 7: Stagger the Joints
Lay the turf in a staggered pattern, similar to brickwork.
This avoids having long continuous joints running across the lawn and helps create a more stable, natural-looking finish.
Make sure adjoining pieces fit closely together.
Don't leave gaps between the turf.
Gaps can dry out and become visible as the lawn establishes.
Step 8: Avoid Walking Directly on Newly Laid Turf
Try not to repeatedly walk directly over turf you've just laid.
Instead, use wooden boards or planks to spread your weight when you need to work across the new lawn.
This reduces the risk of creating depressions or damaging the freshly prepared soil underneath.
Step 9: Cut the Edges
Once you reach borders, paths or other obstacles, the turf will need trimming.
A sharp lawn edging tool or suitable knife can be used to produce clean edges.
Avoid leaving tiny strips of turf around the perimeter where possible. Small pieces can dry out much faster than larger sections.
Plan your layout so that edges remain reasonably substantial.
Step 10: Water Immediately
Watering is absolutely essential.
Once the turf has been laid, water the entire lawn thoroughly so moisture reaches through the turf and into the soil underneath.
Don't just wet the grass on the surface.
The new roots need moisture where the turf meets the prepared soil.
During dry or warm conditions, newly laid turf may require frequent watering to prevent it drying out.
Pay particular attention to edges and joints, which can lose moisture more quickly.
How Often Should You Water New Turf?
The objective during the first few weeks is to keep the turf and soil underneath consistently moist while new roots establish.
How frequently you need to water will depend on:
Temperature
Rainfall
Soil type
Drainage
Exposure to sunlight.
During warm, dry weather, this could mean watering every day initially. During cooler or wetter periods, considerably less additional watering may be necessary.
You can carefully lift a corner of the turf during the early stages to check that the soil underneath remains moist.
Avoid allowing newly laid turf to completely dry out.
At the same time, you don't want to leave the lawn permanently waterlogged.
When Can You Walk on New Turf?
Give your new lawn time to establish before putting it under regular foot traffic.
The turf needs to develop roots into the soil underneath rather than simply sitting on the surface.
After a couple of weeks, carefully try lifting a corner. If you can feel resistance, that's a good indication that roots are beginning to establish.
Avoid heavy use until the lawn is firmly rooted.
When Should You First Mow New Turf?
Don't be in too much of a hurry to get the mower out.
Wait until the turf has rooted into the soil and the grass has begun actively growing.
For the first cut, make sure your mower blades are sharp and keep the cutting height relatively high.
Never remove too much of the grass in one go.
Regular mowing can then gradually bring the lawn down to your preferred height as it becomes established.
Common Turf-Laying Mistakes
Even good-quality turf can struggle if it isn't laid correctly. Some of the most common problems include:
Poor ground preparation – bumps and hollows underneath can leave you with an uneven lawn.
Leaving gaps between rolls – exposed edges can dry out and remain visible.
Not watering enough – one of the biggest causes of problems with newly laid turf.
Leaving turf rolled up too long – turf can quickly deteriorate after delivery.
Walking on it too soon – this can damage the surface and disturb rooting.
Laying over existing grass – new turf needs properly prepared soil underneath.
Cutting the grass too early or too short – give the roots time to establish first.
Preparation Makes the Difference
Laying turf itself can be relatively quick.
Preparing the ground properly is where much of the real work happens.
A carefully prepared, level surface gives the turf the best opportunity to root evenly and helps produce the smooth finish most people want from a new lawn.
Cut corners during preparation and those imperfections can remain visible long after the turf has established.
Professional Turf Laying in Sheffield
If you'd rather leave the hard work to someone else, GBD Maintenance provides turf laying and garden maintenance services across Sheffield and surrounding areas.
From removing an existing lawn and preparing the ground to levelling the soil, laying fresh turf and finishing the edges, we can take care of the process and help create a smart, healthy new lawn.
Whether you're replacing a tired lawn, renovating your garden or starting again with an outdoor space, professional preparation and turf laying can make all the difference to the finished result.
Need a new lawn in Sheffield? Get in touch with GBD Maintenance to discuss your garden and turf-laying requirements.
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