Turf Installation
Done for you
Golden Finch Lawns can organise turf laying for you. We have a healthy network of turf installers who we trust in most areas. We know their strengths and what size jobs they can realistically handle. Give us a call, I think you might be surprised how cost effective it can be to get a professional team in to do the grunt work of putting in the turf.
Residential Installations
For a full install, including preparation such as old turf removal, soil installation and preparation before laying, we can inspect and provide a quote for the job.
Commercial Installations
Usually these jobs are planned a week to a few months ahead and are generally off the plan. Eg: laying around shopping centres, street scapes, erosion control, parks and ovals. Give Greg a call to discuss your timeline and requirements for a competitive quote that won't blow the project budget.
Sports Restorations
From small jobs such as goal mouths and minor wear on cricket ovals to completely removing the whole surface, Golden Finch Lawns has done them all. Horse racing tracks, School ovals, Soccer grounds, Rugby League fields, Golf greens and fairways are all possible with the right plan in place. We have the right turf and the network of landscapers for your major project.
Done by you
Putting down turf is not rocket science but mistakes can be made that make for a fatal outcome for your new lawn. We have put the following together to help you better prepare for your turf installation.
How much turf should I get?
Unless you want to help the neighbours out with some extra turf or have a big gap in your new lawn, it is alway good to make sure you order the right amount of turf. Use our turf calculations to get the best estimate of your requirements. If maths is not your strong point, give us a call, we do this stuff all day long (and sometimes in our sleep).
When can you lay turf?
Turf can be laid all year round. It is best to avoid excessive heat though. Always make sure you do have a good source of water from your tank, tap or local delivery truck. Some grass like Queensland Blue couch is not available in most winters after a series of frosts as the shallow root system becomes too weak for cutting.
What site preparation is needed?
Site preparation can be the most important step to a long lasting, water use efficient and attractive lawn. Remove weeds and rocks and level as well as possible.
A fully prepared site should be hand raked to make smooth enough for mowing. Levels should be sloped to ensure that water runs off or into storm drains. All wheel tracks and foot prints need to be raked smooth.
Are water crystals necessary?
Save your money, we haven't noticed any difference. In fact, some crystals can lift new turf off the soil so that the roots don’t get to touch the soil.
Do you need to fertilise before you lay?
If you would like to fertilise before laying just use a soft type like Dynamic Lifter® to avoid burning the roots of the turf. The turf when it is harvested is actively growing so that fertilizer is not absolutely necessary. It is better to fertilize after the turf is established. And water the fertiliser into the turf to avoid leaf burn.
Laying your turf
- If you choose to, spread fertiliser over the area to be turfed.
- Organise the pallets of turf so that you reduce the amount of wheel barrow moving required.
- Screed or rake the area to give a final level and incorporate the fertiliser. In very hot conditions and especially for soft turf like Qld Blue Couch, water the soil before laying to reduce the temperature of the soil.
- Start laying turf from the far corner and against a straight edge if possible. Place a frame around the lawn edge so that when you trim a roll that is too long you a chopping onto turf and not soil/rocks that will damage your blade.
- Lay the rolls of turf in a brick pattern to give more even appearance. Roll the turf to eliminate air pockets and give contact for the roots to the soil.
- Alternatively, give a light roll after watering but watch for wet areas. Or if you are being chased by a storm, a heavy rainfall will do the same job. As soon as your first 50m2 are laid set up a sprinkler so that the turf is getting a drink.
- Hot dry soil will act like a sponge to draw moisture from the turf. Once all the lawn has been given a quick drink it should be watered again properly that day or the next day.
- Avoid letting the turf turn silver from dry stress. Keep watering every couple days until the lawn has established.
- Check the amount of moisture for the lawn by lifting an edge of a roll and inspecting the soil underneath.