Great looking turf is a fantastic way to enhance any property. From a small residential house to a highly groomed golf course, the eye loves healthy turf. Sounds simple right? It certainly can be!
When you are selecting the most suitable turf for the area that you are turfing, you need to consider:
Shaded areas will experience slower growth
Turf likes and needs sun to grow. Large trees and neighbouring buildings may create shade. It’s a great idea to look at that area at different times of the day to help make the right decision about how shady the area that you are laying is at different times of the day.
Rainfall in the Area
Sounds like a logical option but it is surprising how many people don’t take this into consideration when looking at turf options. There are specific turfs for high rainfall areas as there is for drier climates.
Sunshine Hours
Turf loves sun but did you know that different turfs have different tolerance levels for sunshine? Spend some time looking at the area at different times of the day to ensure that you get the right turf for the area.
Selecting the Right Turf
Does the area house the kid’s playground, trampoline and dogs or is it infrequently walked on? Turf options vary significantly to cater for any needs and include high wear tolerant, drought tolerant and increased resistance to pests and diseases. And if you select the right turf, there is absolutely no reason that the robust turf can’t look as good as any other turf.
Preparation of the Area
Turf needs a well-prepared base to grow. Don’t make the mistake of laying turf on an uneven surface that is already riddled with weed or rocks. Take the time to prepare the area that the turf is to be positioned on by leveling it out and laying soil if necessary. Keep in mind that if you lay turf on top of established weeds, they will simply grow through the turf and potentially take it over…. Now that would be a waste of time and money, wouldn’t it?
Create a Trench…..
Consider what you are edging the turf up to. If your neighbours lawn is full of weeds and you lay your new turf flush to it, the weeds will simply spread into your lawn. There is nothing wrong with digging a small trench to stop the spread. 1-2 inches is more than enough to stop the unwanted weed jumping into your freshly laid turf.
Once installed, Water in the Key to Success……
Establish the roots in the first 6 weeks and you are setting yourself up for healthy turf in the long run. If you have selected the correct turf for your area, water is all that is required to establish the turf.
Mowing Finishes off the Look
A mower needs sharp blades to give a sharp cut. There is nothing worse than a lawn that has been hacked with blunt blades. Not only is your valuable turf damaged with blunt mower blades, it is exposed to disease and fungus which will in turn great more headaches and expense for you in the long run.