Installing instant turf is an easy process, but is one that needs to be done right.

1. Preparing your soil

Preparation is key. It’s first important to determine your soil type; sandy soil provides good drainage and is a low maintenance base. A clay soil however, requires more attention. You will need to dig down or rotary hoe the top 100mm to 150mm of soil. It can also be beneficial to then add a layer of sandy loam and gypsum to improve the drainage. Adding a wetting agent will help you to further retain moisture. In order to optimise your soil, a fertiliser will create a good base.

2. Creating your surface

Once your soil is properly prepared you will need to create a smooth base. Remove any rocks or roots from the top soil, then use a soil roller to lightly firm the surface. Your soil should be 20mm below any paths or garden beds to achieve best results. Then, most importantly, you will need to hose down the soil to create a moist surface for the turf.

3. Installing instant turf

The installation process is as simple as rolling out your instant turf. For best results you should begin with the longest straight strip you can roll out, then push the edges of your turf together for even coverage. It’s important that you don’t leave any gaps or overlap your pieces. From there on, build up your lawn like you would a brick wall, but be careful not to stretch your turf.

4. Creating contact

Your grass needs ground contact and moisture to survive. The best way to create these conditions is to roll over your new lawn with a grass roller to improve turf to soil contact and remove any remaining air pockets.

5: Watering

Watering must be done in the first half hour after installing instant turf. Then watering should be done twice daily for the first fortnight or until the grass appears to mesh together and start looking like a cohesive lawn. It’s crucial not to allow your grass to dry out.

You now have your lawn. Keep is looking healthy through regular mowing and fertilisation.