How to Lay Turf

Laying turf transforms bare soil into an instant lawn. While not difficult, the job requires proper preparation, good technique, and careful timing.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing a tired lawn, this guide walks you through every step from ground preparation to aftercare. If you’re still deciding between turf and growing from seed, read our turf vs seed comparison first.

When to Lay Turf

Autumn provides ideal conditions, with September and October being the optimal months. The soil is still warm from summer, natural rainfall keeps turf moist, and roots establish quickly before winter dormancy.

Spring (March to May) also works well, though late spring requires reliable watering if dry weather is expected. Summer laying demands intensive watering, sometimes twice daily. Winter presents risks including frost damage and turf deterioration before spring rooting begins.

Ordering Turf

Calculate your area and add 5–10% for waste. Turf typically arrives in rolls approximately 60cm wide and 1–2 metres long.

Source from reputable suppliers offering fresh cuts. Arrange delivery to match your laying schedule. Turf deteriorates rapidly once cut, particularly in warm weather. Ideally, lay on delivery day. Maximum storage time is 24–48 hours.

Ground Preparation

Clear the area completely, removing old grass, weeds, stones, and debris. Cultivate the soil to 15–20cm depth to break compaction.

Improve poor soil by adding sand to clay or compost to sandy soil. Level roughly with raking, then firm systematically by treading with heel weight. The final surface needs fine tilth with stones larger than golf balls removed.

Apply a phosphorus-rich starter fertiliser, raking it into the top centimetre. The prepared surface should be about 25mm below the level of adjacent paths and paving to allow for turf thickness.

Laying Technique

Start along straight edges like paths or a taut string line. Press each piece gently into place without stretching, and butt edges tightly together without overlapping.

Stagger joints like brickwork. Each row should start with a half-piece so that joints don’t align. Use planks or boards to stand on while working, protecting the turf you’ve already laid.

Cut pieces with a half-moon edger or sharp knife. Position small off-cut pieces in the centre of the lawn, never at the edges where they dry out and shrink.

Finishing Touches

Roll lightly or tread gently across the entire surface to eliminate air pockets and press turf firmly into contact with the soil beneath. Brush sandy topdressing into any gaps if needed. Trim overhanging edges neatly with a half-moon edger.

Watering

Water immediately and thoroughly after laying. The soil beneath the turf should be wet to several centimetres depth.

Continue daily watering for two weeks, increasing frequency in hot or windy conditions. After two weeks, reduce to every 2–3 days. After one month, water only during dry spells.

To check whether roots are establishing, gently tug a corner of turf after two weeks. If it resists pulling, roots are anchoring successfully.

Aftercare

Minimise foot traffic for 2–3 weeks during root establishment. Light traffic becomes acceptable after 3–4 weeks, with normal use after 6–8 weeks.

First mowing should happen when grass reaches 5–7cm, typically 2–3 weeks after laying. Set your mower high, removing only the top third. For detailed guidance on correct cutting heights, see our lawn mowing heights guide.

Delay fertilising for six weeks if a starter feed was applied during preparation. After that, follow a regular lawn feeding schedule to keep your new lawn healthy and thick.

Monitor edges carefully as they are most prone to drying out. Water edges specifically if they show signs of stress or curling.

Common Problems

Gaps between rolls indicate insufficient firming or inadequate watering. Brush sandy soil into gaps and increase watering.

Yellowing suggests drought stress and requires immediate increased watering. Lift a corner to check the soil beneath is moist.

Turf lifting when walked on means roots haven’t established. Maintain off-limits status and improve your watering routine.

Fungal patches may appear in humid conditions. Improve airflow and reduce watering slightly until conditions improve.

Laying Turf on Slopes

Lay turf horizontally across slopes rather than vertically to prevent it sliding. On steep slopes, use wooden stakes or biodegradable pegs to hold rolls in place until roots anchor them. Water carefully to prevent runoff, applying in shorter bursts rather than one long session.

Success Checklist

Complete ground preparation days before delivery. Lay turf on delivery day when possible. Water immediately and consistently for the first two weeks. Restrict foot traffic for at least three weeks. Mow only when grass reaches 5–7cm, cutting on the highest setting.

For ongoing care advice and seasonal tips, visit our complete UK lawn care guide.