In my previous article, I showed you how to prepare grounds/soil for grass seeds, and then I remembered that preparing the soil for seeds and turf is not the same thing. So, if you are going to lay turf on your lawn, you may have to follow slightly different instructions. So, here, I am going to share how to prepare the soil for turfing.
Generally, turf comes with a thin layer of soil, so the soil preparation system doesn’t require so many steps like preparing the soil for grass seeds. However, the primary steps are the same, but there are some changes as well. So, try to check out the instructions step by step to make things easier for turfing.
Step-by-step Instructions to Prepare the Soil for Turfing
For turf, you will need moisturizing soil where turfs can set easily. We have divided the entire process of preparing the soil for turfing into some simple steps. Hopefully, it will be helpful for you to get them all clearly. Make sure to follow the steps of preparing the soil sequentially, and you are not skipping any of them.
1. Clean the Entire Lawn
As usual, you have to start preparing the soil by cleaning it. So, make sure to clean the entire area very well where you plan to create the lawn. Plants, twigs, roots, leaves, grass, dry leaves, all exiting grass, everything has to be taken off the lawn area.
If you go through parts of the yard having very thick grass, it shows that you can make the lawn look better. If you have a large area, use a mechanical turf cutter to clean it, and for the smaller area, you can easily take a garden spade. You can also hire a cleaning agency or lawn-making organization to clean the area if you think it’s difficult for you to be alone.
For bog yard, you should use a systemic weed-killer. It will prevent growing weeds in the future. However, wait for at least three weeks after applying it because it takes some time to kill all the live plants from the root. You can indeed skip this part if it is a small area and the soil doesn’t grow weeds so often.
2. Dig the Ground Properly
Once you clean the area, you have to dig the land properly to prepare the soil for turfing. It is essential to make the soil more fertile and softer. However, dig the soil over using a mechanical rotavator or just your garden fork. Do not forget to diverge the broken bricks, stones, rubble, or any other debris. If a stone is bigger than 2 inches, it can be harmful to your lawn.
You must dig the ground a minimum of 15 cm which means 6 inches. Here, we suggest digging more if it is possible for you. And if there is not enough soil to dig that much, you have to buy the appropriate one from the different types of lawn soil from the soil supplier. Here, you have to make sure that you are buying a similar type of soil that your lawn already contains.
3. Use Soil Improver If Needed
Sometimes, you need to add soil improvers to improve the quality of the lawn soil. If you need to do it, now is the high time. Also, if the soil of your lawn is sandy by nature and doesn’t hold water for long, dig in with some organic matter such as compost or rotted manure.
If your lawn has clay soil, it can be heavier, sticky, and boggy in winter. So, you can use some gravel to improve the drainage system, as well as add it will ensure some organic matter that will encourage worms to make habitant and improve the soil quality.
4. Level the Area
Getting an excellent even surface is really essential for a lawn. And that’s why you have to level the ground properly. As a consequence of frequent leveling, large lumps will also be broken down. Here, you have to make a texture that has granules and crumbles.
Besides, getting rid of all the humps and hollows is very important. It’s because they will easily catch on the mower blades in the future. Also, you need to scalp the high areas of the ground to make a consistent surface of the lawn.
Additionally, make sure to level the ground a few times so that the soil can get enough air in it. To prepare the soil for turfing, frequent leveling is so, a mandatory part.
5. Firm the Area
At this stage, some people start laying the turf. But you should do it at least before firming the area properly. The soil at this stage can be a bit loose for turf to get set. Besides, turf requires a firm base, but it shouldn’t be too solid anyway.
It needs to be strong enough so that it can support the turf’s weight and doesn’t sink with the rainwater. But it should not be so solid that it hinders the roots from growing without any trouble.
Moreover, you have to ensure that the grass gets enough air and nutrients to grow properly. Also, the turf base should have a moisturized soil bed so that they can fix the base quickly.
6. Use Pre-turfing Feed
After completing the previous steps, your lawn area may look slightly lumpy. But that’s not a problem, especially when you have time to use some Pre-turfing feed. You can buy any good quality Pre-turfing feed from the market. It is essential to apply this solution so that the turfs get fixed with the soil easily.
Besides, the Pre-turfing feed should cooperate with the grass plants for sure. Generally, the turfs come to your yard from the commercial field, and so they need extra care. With the proper nutrients, they will be rooting in fast. Moreover, they will stay potent and salubrious as well.
7. Rake the Area
The final step to prepare the soil for turfing is raking the lawn area once again. You have to take one final rake to organize the pre-turf fertilizer and level the surface. Now, get ready to measure up, and your new turf is ready to install.
So, you can now lay the turf on your ground to build a quick lawn. For that, make sure to buy sufficient turf and the best turf types. Besides, you should choose the best time to lay turf as well.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time for laying turf?
A: Autumns and springs are the best time for laying turfs. That means you have to choose a time that is not too much cold or hot. So, you should avoid summer and winter to start laying turfs.
Q: What do I need to prepare the soil for turfing?
A: You will need a fork, rake, weed-killer, Pre-turfing feed, spade, and enough water to prepare the soil for turfing. You can also use a mowing machine to clean the area if you have a large yard.
Q: How much turf do I need for 25 square meters?
A: You will need approximately three rolls of turf for every square meter. That means you will need around 75 rolls of turfs for 25 square meters.
Q: Do I need topsoil before laying turf?
A: If the ground on your lawn doesn’t have enough soil to dig down around 15 cm, applying some topsoil will be mandatory for you. Also, you must use it if the soil quality is not good enough for laying turf.
Q: What is the best soil to put under turf?
A: Sand soil is the best type of soil to place under the turf. Generally, sandy soil is very crumbly, and it gets moisture easily. So, the turf base can easily fix with it. Besides, loam soil is also a very good option for turfing because of its easy drainage and quality.
Final Verdict
Before preparing the ground for turfing, you need to do proper planning. You have to measure the area to figure out how much turf you need. Also, you have to make a schedule on the best time for laying turf.
However, I am sure that you know how to prepare the soil for turf on your own, but if still, you think the entire process is difficult for you, just hire some lawn makers. But never ever skip these parts before laying turf. Otherwise, you can end up killing the grass.
Well, then, I am taking my leave here. Don’t bother to ask me anything about the soil preparation for turfing. I will love to assist you with anything I can. Thank you in advance.