It is very nearly turf laying season - OK, there is not really a proper season but I always steer clear of laying turf in the Summer if I can because of the difficulties in getting it established without shrinkage or die back.
It will only take one hour in bright sunshine and the turf shrinks and the edges turn up making it almost impossible to bring it back to life.
You can put a sprinkler on immediately and move it along as you work but there is a danger of getting your work area wet and sticky and creating a pudding that can damage well prepared root zones.
My advice is to plan for preparation to start from the first week in September and take a view on how the weather is going to pan out. For example, if there is strong talk of an Indian summer then by all means get the preparation done but hold off the turfing until you are sure of a decent window of opportunity.
The larger the area to be turfed means the greater the planning. For example, anything under three hundred square metres is easily achievable in a day depending on certain factors.
* How far is the delivery spot from the area that is to be the new lawn?
* How much cutting is needed - a square lawn is much easier and quicker than a wavy edge or with obstacles such as trees and walls.
* Do you have help? - having someone wheel the turf in so that you can concentrate on laying makes for an easier job and less tiring too.
* Do you have water immediately available? If you do not then planning is crucial - make sure you order and lay your turf in cool weather with the threat of rain so that water can penetrate through the turf and into the top layer of soil.
Remember, if it is humid and warm and there are heavy dews in the morning you are at risk of getting a fungal disease take hold if you are using a sprinkler during the day. Natural water is much better.
Click here for advice on Laying a new lawn and how to properly prepare your soil in advance. Learn also how to lay your turf without wasting all of the ends.
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