Latest News

While September might feel like the end of the garden season, it’s actually one of the best months to lay Fresh Turf. The soil is still warm from the summer, which helps roots establish quickly, while the cooler autumn weather prevents the grass from drying out or shrinking. This makes it an ideal time to rejuvenate your lawn and prepare your garden for a lush, healthy finish heading into next spring.

What You'll Need:

Gardening Gloves
Wheelbarrow
Rake
Wooden planks/Laying boards
Weed Killer (if applicable)
Garden hose/Sprinkler.

Step 1

Preparation is key!

Before ordering your turf, make sure the soil is ready and you have all the necessary tools. The ground should be as level as possible. Use a spirit level to check for evenness.

We recommend using our 10mm Topsoil as a base. Aim for at least 10cm depth (the deeper, the better) to create a solid foundation for your new grass.

To encourage healthy growth, rake the soil to loosen it and remove weeds, stones, and debris. Two days before laying your turf, water the soil lightly. This not only provides moisture for the roots but also helps the soil settle, allowing you to rake it level again just before installation.

Step 2

Measure your space

Before ordering your turf, it’s essential to measure your garden accurately to determine how many rolls you’ll need. Start by dividing your garden into simple shapes—squares or rectangles—then measure the length and width of each section. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the area of each shape in square metres.

Once you’ve calculated the total area, you can work out how many turf rolls to order. Our standard turf rolls cover 1m² each, so if your garden totals 28m², you’ll need at least 28 rolls of turf.

Pro Tip: It’s always wise to order an extra 5–10% to account for cutting around edges, curves, or any minor wastage during installation. This ensures your lawn looks full and seamless once laid.

Step 3

Order your turf

Our Wessex Turf Rolls are carefully cut and transported efficiently which preserves its freshness and ensures it arrives in peak condition. This quality of the Turf is what helps maintain the vitality of the grass from field to your garden.

Grown over 18 months, our turf is mature, well-established, and thick, giving it the best chance to root quickly and integrate seamlessly with your soil. The dense growth and strong root system mean a healthier, long-lasting lawn that will thrive for years.

We receive fresh deliveries every Wednesday, so to ensure your turf is available for collection or delivery, orders must be placed by midday on the preceding Monday. Planning ahead is key to securing the freshest turf and guaranteeing your garden project can start on schedule.

Pro Tip: Lay your turf as soon as possible after delivery for optimal results, and keep it watered to encourage strong root growth from day one.

"Only order the amount of turf you can lay in a day!" - Charlie Says

Lost Landscapes

Step 4

Lay your turf

It’s crucial to lay your turf within 24 hours of delivery, particularly during hot, dry weather. Avoid watering rolled-up turf, as moisture inside the roll can heat up, encouraging the grass to compost rather than root. Make sure your soil is generously watered before laying the turf, giving the roots the best possible start.

Laying Straight-Edged Gardens: Start at one side of the garden and work across systematically. Use a plank of wood as a guide to keep the rolls straight against borders, fences, or flowerbeds.

Laying Circular or Irregular Gardens: Begin at the centre and work your way outwards for an even, natural finish.

Pattern and Placement: Lay the turf in a staggered “brickwork” pattern, offsetting joints to strengthen the overall structure and ensure the rolls interlock. Place each roll snugly against its neighbour, using your thumb to gently butt the seams together and avoid gaps.

Trimming and Finishing Touches: At the edges, cut any excess turf with a long knife or handsaw to prevent unnecessary exposure that can dry out the grass. Cover edges with a thin layer of topsoil to protect the turf and encourage healthy rooting.

By following these steps, you’ll create a smooth, even lawn that establishes quickly and thrives for years to come.

Step 5

Water, water and more water!

Water your turf immediately after laying each section. Fresh turf will shrink if left dry, especially in hot weather, which can create unsightly gaps between rolls. Giving the grass a generous initial watering ensures it settles firmly onto the soil and begins establishing strong roots.

After the initial soak, maintain a consistent watering routine. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to water, as less moisture is lost to evaporation. Make sure every section of your lawn receives water, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good way to check is to gently lift the corner of a turf roll—if the soil underneath is damp, it’s reached the roots properly.

When walking across freshly laid turf, use lawn boards or planks to evenly distribute your weight. This prevents compaction and protects the delicate roots while you water or adjust the turf.

By following these steps, your new lawn will establish quickly, stay lush and green, and provide a healthy, long-lasting surface.

"Try and keep off the grass as much as possible until the turf has rooted, which normally takes two weeks." - Charlie Says

Step 6

Mow that lawn!

Once your new lawn has begun to take root, it’s time to start mowing, but with extra care. For the first cut, set your mower to the highest setting and only trim the very tips of the grass. This helps protect the young roots and allows the lawn to establish firmly without stress.

Although it’s generally recommended to avoid walking on the grass for the first two weeks, you may need to mow within the first week if the grass grows quickly. In this case, handle the lawn gently and mow slowly to minimise damage.

For the second and all subsequent cuts, follow these guidelines:

• Never remove more than 25% of the grass blade length at any one time, as cutting too much can shock the turf and slow root development.
• Alternate the mowing direction each time. Changing the pattern encourages upright growth, prevents soil compaction, and helps your lawn develop an even, healthy appearance.
• Ensure your mower blades are sharp, as blunt blades can tear the young grass, leading to brown tips and uneven growth.

By following these steps, you’ll encourage a strong, lush, and uniform lawn that will thrive throughout the season.

Step 7

Enjoy your fresh, green paradise!

Now that your garden is transformed with a lush, green lawn, you can sit back and enjoy the results—but don’t forget it still needs regular care. Healthy grass thrives on a balance of air, sunlight, water, and nutrients, so ensure it’s watered consistently and kept uncovered to allow plenty of oxygen and sunlight to reach the roots.

To order our Wessex turf, click here or call us on 01202 874207