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    Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to lay turf, your go-to resource for transforming your garden lawn into a lush, green paradise! Whether you're starting from scratch or rejuvenating an existing lawn, the process of laying turf is easy when you follow this guide which will result in a vibrant and healthy carpet of grass. Let's look at how to create the perfect lawn.

    Have you just moved into a new property or new build? You may face bare earth or, in older properties, a lacklustre lawn that needs help ASAP! This ultimate guide to laying and fixing lawns will help you make the most of your garden and create a fabulous lawn in no time!

    Grass lawns are tough, resilient, evergreen, and low-maintenance, making them an excellent garden surface for lower-maintenance gardeners. Laying turf with rolled turf or sowing grass seed is relatively easy if you prepare the ground properly first, and you'll have a new lawn in no time! Most lawns can be laid or sown by seed in just one weekend and it's a cost effective way to green up your gardens.

    This lawn care guide will show you how to lay turf effectively, regardless of your chosen method. I will provide easy, step-by-step instructions for laying rolled turf or lawns from seed.

    How to lay a lawn: Fast Video Guide

    This page contains affiliate links for products I use and love. If you take action (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking a link, I may earn some gardening commission which helps me keep the Garden Ninja Blog free for all.

    How to Lay Turf Guides

    1. Rolled turf vs grass seed
    2. Equipment for laying turf
    3. How to measure a lawn for turf
    4. How to lay rolled turf
    5. When to first mow a new lawn?
    6. What's the size of rolled turf?
    7. How much does rolled turf cost?
    8. Why does my turf look yellow or smelly?
    9. Choosing the right lawn seed
    10. Sowing a lawn from seed
    11. How to keep birds off your lawn seed
    12. How long does lawn seed take to germinate?
    13. What's the best time of year to lay turf?
    14. Can you lay a lawn in winter?
    15. How to fix a mossy lawn?
    16. How to fix a bumpy lawn
    17. When to first mow a new lawn?
    18. How long after laying turf can I walk on it?

    What is a lawn?

    A lawn is an area of soil often in a garden which is planted with several different grass species to form a living green surface. Sometimes, other hard-wearing plants, such as clover or camomile, are used. A lawn has the distinct characteristic of being kept short through mowing and cutting, usually with a lawn mower

    In my garden design practice, most clients consider a garden lawn an essential part of an English garden. It's understandable as to why that's the case.

    A close up of lawn turf

    Garden lawns are probably one of the most widely recognised garden design components. Turf has a variety of uses, such as lounging on a deck chair, manicuring it to perfection, getting your mates around to have a BBQ on it, or even as a football pitch for your children. A well-laid garden lawn with lush turf is a staple of a multi-functional garden.

    Lawns are a great form of ground cover for gardening. It allows you to walk, play, or exercise on them, providing a multifunctional space in any garden. Lawns are usually made up of 3 or more grass species that grow together as a living ground cover or mat.

    What can I use turf for?

    Lawn turf is used to cover large amounts of the garden at a relatively low cost, enabling you to walk over it or use it for garden furniture.

    Perfect for informal and utility gardens:

    • Hard-wearing surface for play areas and children's gardens
    • Low-maintenance option that's zero fuss
    • Ideal for busy families who want a functional outdoor space

    Great for formal ornamental lawns:

    • Manicured stripes and pristine appearance
    • Perfect for garden enthusiasts who enjoy weekly maintenance
    • Suited to those who love feeding, scarifying and perfecting their lawn (for the few, not the masses!)

    Excellent practical benefits:

    • Walkable ground cover that handles foot traffic
    • Perfect sitting area during dry weather
    • Pet-friendly surface that allows water drainage
    • Adds light, airy texture to garden spaces
    • Particularly useful for dog and cat owners
    Informal lawn with a dog

    One thing I'm adamant against is the use of artificial turf. You can read the horrific environmental impact of fake grass and why to avoid it here.

    Choosing between rolled turf or grass seed

    When it comes to planting a lawn, you have a couple of options depending on how much time or budget you have. If you want to get your lawn down as quickly as possible, then rolled turf is the quickest bet. However, if you're on a budget or need a very specific lawn seed mix, then sowing by seeds is the best bet.

    Let's take a closer look at the two main ways to install a garden lawn.

    1. Rolled turf installation

    The fastest method is using rolls of precut turf, which are laid. They are installed in a staggered brickwork fashion, meaning they are fast but more expensive than seed.

    Benefits of rolled turf

    • Fast to lay
    • Instant impact
    • Cost-effective
    Rolls of green turf

    Drawbacks of rolled turf

    • Expensive compared to grass seed
    • Requires considerable watering
    • Can become stressed if laid in warmer periods

    2. Sowing grass seed

    This method uses lawn seed, scattered onto prepared soil, which is allowed to germinate and grow into a lawn. This method is slow but cheaper than rolled turf.

    Benefits of lawn seed

    • Cheap to lay compared to rolled turf
    • You can choose a seed mix perfect for your garden conditions
    Lawn laid by seed

    Drawbacks of lawn seed

    • It takes longer to establish
    • Birds will often feed on the seeds before they germinate

    Every gardener will have their preference. Some gardeners swear by creating a lawn from seed and enjoying the germination of the seeds, while other people prefer to get their lawn down in one weekend for that instant look. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of both methods of laying a lawn.

    Costs of Lawn Seed per m2

    CategoryPrice (£)Cost per m² (£)
    Budget Lawn SeedCheap0.16
    Mid Range Lawn SeedAffordable0.30
    Premium Lawn SeedLuxury0.40

    To work out how much it will cost to seed a new lawn simply work out the size of the area in m2 and then times by the price of the seed above.

    i.e. If you use a budget seed at 16p per m2, then a 30m2 garden would be 30x0.16=£4.60. Alternatively, the same lawn with a premium seed would be 30x0.40=£12.

    What's the quickest way to lay a lawn?

    The answer is rolled turf, but while it quickly gives you an instant lawn, it requires the most watering and initial maintenance to get established. You will need to water it thoroughly three times per week for the first month until it's established.

    Equipment for laying turf

    Below is a handy list of the garden equipment you will need when laying a lawn with rolled turf or seeding an area to create a garden.

    How to measure an area you want to turf as a lawn

    Before fitting a lawn, determine how much grass seed or turf you need. You do this by measuring the length and the width of the area to be turfed.

    i) For rectangular lawns: Take measurement A and multiply by B (shown below) to get the square area, ideally, in square meters.

    ii) For curved lawns: If you want a curvy lawn, work on measuring a square or rectangle dimension slightly bigger than the free-form area, as it makes it far easier to order turf. The leftover turf can then be turned upside down and stacked at the back of a border, breaking down and making excellent loamy compost! No waste!

    Rectangle turf measuring
    wavy turf 1

    How to lay a rolled turf lawn

    Creating a lawn from rolled turf is the quickest method of getting the lawn of your dreams. In a few hours, you can have a brand-new lawn. First, you prepare the ground, ensure its level, create a fine tilth to which the lawn will roof, and then stagger your turfs. Lastly, water your new lawn.

    Follow the detailed lawn installation steps below to create a fantastic lawn instantly!

    1. Preparation is key to laying turf effectively

    Before you lay turf, most of the work needed is in preparation. You may rush to get a new lawn, but preparation is key and saves drama or lawn installation failure.

    This is because turf will follow any lumps or bumps if laid on a poorly prepared surface. If the ground is not entirely level and weed-free, you start in a losing position. Rectifying these issues afterwards is a nightmare, and you should be enjoying beers on your lawn, not spending hours levelling it, weeding it, and cursing it!

    Tools for laying turf

    2. Measure the area of the lawn you want to lay.

    This will enable you to order your turfs.

    You'll need at least two measurements to work out the surface area—simply multiply one side by the other.

    A good rule of thumb is to order 10% more than you need.

    This is so that when you're staggering your joins, you are not left with a few tiny pieces to finish an edge. You can use a longer whole piece of turf, which will bed in far better than smaller bits pushed together, which will dry out faster.

    Measuring a lawn

    3. Prepare the beds for the turf by digging over the plot.

    This helps aerate and break up compaction in the soil. Compaction causes all sorts of problems, such as waterlogging, poor growth, dead spots, and diseases in new turf. So, using your spade and fork, turn over the ground. This is hard work but essential; think of it as free cardio!

    Single digging garden

    4. Remove any weeds, debris and stones from the plot.

    Use a riddle if the ground has many stones and debris. A riddle or grill is like a giant sieve; you can put your soil in one scoop at a time and filter through to remove bits of weeds and rubbish from the ground. This is especially true on new build properties.

    Debris removed when turfing

    5. Dig in some compost or other organic matter.

    If your soil is impoverished, then it's a good idea to work in some fresh peat-free compost at this stage.

    This will help provide long-term nutrients for the lawn and help retain moisture without being waterlogged. I usually dig in some compost to help break up any heavy soil.

    Alternatively, if the soil is light and in good condition, then you can skip this step.

    Organic turf improver

    6. Level the plot with a rake and plant.

    Using a back-and-forth action, first, rake over the plot. Then, use a plank of wooden to level out the soil. This will help pull the soil across the plot level, and further help breaks up any small clods. Again, if debris or rocks appear, then remove them.

    Leveling ground for turf

    7. Consolidate the raked area.

    Now, it is time to shuffle! Using your feet, preferably with shoes on, shuffle across the lawn in straight lines one way and then the other. Consolidating the soil means that the lawn won't sink as readily and ensures there are no big air pockets in the soil. If there are, fill these pockets and then relevel.

    tamping down turf

    8. Check the area is level.

    Using the plank of wood and a spirit level, you can check that the area is level. Always take a couple of measurements of lengthways and widthways until the ground is level. If it is unlevel in areas, rake and even out, more shuffling again.

    9. Create a tilth for your lawn to root through.

    Lastly, using the rake on your level surface, lightly rake the top layer to create a fine tilth. Tilth is a powdery light layer of fine soil. This then enables a quick root uptake for your turf.

    Rake your tilth one way and then rake 90 degrees the other way afterwards over the same area.

    Tilth

    10. Order your turfs.

    You can buy them either online in advance or from a local DIY store. Once you have your fresh turfs, you must lay them within 24 hours and not let them dry out, so bear this in mind if the weather changes or your preparation gets delayed.

    Fresh, healthy turfs should be healthy and green, not yellow or brown. Turfs should also be moist, not bone dry.

    11. Start to lay turfs in a brickwork fashion.

    Using the board, lay this out over the soil and work forward or backwards. It doesn't make much difference, though some would claim forwards are better. In the video, I turf backwards, so it's easier for you to see the joins and laying technique.

    The aim is to use the large sections of your meter-long turfs together rather than short sections of leftovers. It is better to have two medium-sized turfs than one full-size and one tiny size next to each other. This is because smaller turfs tend to dry out, which will impact the lawn uptake.

    Use a sharp knife to cut any turfs, leaving a clean edge. Don't be tempted to tear them. It damages the grass and gives a rough, messy edge.

    Laying turfs in a brickwork fashion with Lee Burkhill

    12. Butt up the joints tightly.

    This enables the turfs to mesh together. Gaps will cause them to dry out and curl. You can butt them up by hand and then use the back of a rake to compress the turfs lightly to ensure contact with the ground and each adjacent turf.

    Butting up turfs

    Never stretch turfs to fit together. Always overlap them slightly, then push them down to create a firm join.

    13. Neaten up edges.

    Make sure with your knife that any ragged edges or wonky donkey bits are cut to a straight line. The edge of the board provides a clean, neat surface for cutting a clean edge.

    14. Fill any turf gaps with sand & compost.

    If the turf has gaps or awkward cracks around pavers or trees, use a mix of sharp sand and compost to fill them. This ensures the turf meshes together well and will spread into these spaces.

    15. Water the grass thoroughly after laying.

    Water your turf as soon as it has been laid. There's no need to feed your newly laid turf. In fact, it will root quicker to the soil if you don't. Ensure that the grass never fully dries out for the first few weeks.

    It's better to water heavily every 4-5 days rather than a light sprinkle each day. Frequent light waterings can encourage Poa annua, a grass weed, to propagate in the newly laid turf. Take more care to check that the edges don't dry out.

    Avoid walking on the grass for the next 2-3 weeks, or if you have to use the board to walk on to reduce the pressure of your feet on the newly laid turf, which is still establishing.

    A shiney metal watering can

    16. Recycle leftover turfs and create your own loam.

    Place any leftover turfs upside down, grass side down, at the back of borders, or even in a bin bag that is then loosely covered. If using the bin bag method, stack the turfs on top of each other somewhere out of direct sunlight.

    In months to come, the grass will have decomposed, leaving lovely, fresh, nutrient-rich loam, a term for well-balanced soil. So there's no waste!

    When should you first mow a new lawn?

    The first mow should be when the grass is 5cm or 2" tall, set the lawn mower blade to take a third off, so 1.5cm. Be careful not to scalp or cut the lawn too short whilst it is established, which may impede its development.

    What's the size of rolled turf?

    Rolls of turf come in two standard sizes in the UK, which are either 1 meter squared or 1 yard squared (0.84m). Once you've worked out the ground size for your lawn, you can determine how many turfs to order.

    How much does rolled turf cost?

    The average cost of 1 yard squared of turf is £6-£7 in the UK.

    Larger 1-meter squared rolls will cost marginally more, around £7-8 per roll.

    The larger 1m turfs are often a better option as there's less joining, and you get more for your money. However, the larger rolls are heavier to lift and move.

    A machine cutting rolls of turf

    Whilst you can buy discounted rolled turf for £3-£4 I'd advise against this as they are usually on very thin soil bases and therefore take far more water to establish and keep healthy. I often find that these cheap turf rolls in garden centres, when unrolled, suffer from the yellow-smelly syndrome!

    Why is my rolled turf yellow & or smelly?

    If you've bought rolled turf and notice it's turned yellow when you unwrap it, you have a problem. This is a sign of turf that's sat rolled for too long and has started to lose chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight, which all plants need. Usually, it will come back to life with some sun, but it may slow down the time it takes for the turf to establish.

    Always check the turf you're buying by unrolling it slightly first to check.

    If the turf smells eggy, rotten, or pungent, it has probably started decomposing with anaerobic bacteria. If it feels sloppy and you could tear it easily, then this turf will not survive. Since this cannot usually be saved, compost it instead, or if at the garden centre, choose different turf rolls!

    What's the best lawn seed?

    Lawns are very rarely made up of just one type of grass plant. They usually feature a mix of grass species to ensure thick, rich coverage. If you think of a wool weaver, they may take several different coloured strands to weave one thread, and a lawn is a bit like this.

    Some lawn seeds produce thick, rugged grass, excellent for harder-wearing utility lawns, whereas other species use thinner, more delicate grass used in fine ornamental lawns. 

    As a general rule of thumb, ornamental lawns require far more maintenance than utility lawns as the seed types are less vigorous. Below are three common lawn seed mixes depending on the type of lawn you want to sow in your garden.

    Utility Grass Seed Mix Example:

    • Festuca rubra spp. rubra (Creeping red fescue) 40%
    • Poa pratensis (Annual meadow grass) 30%
    • Lolium perenne (Perennial ryegrass) 30%

    Ornamental Grass Seed Mix Example:

    • Festuca rubra spp. rubra (Creeping red fescue) 35%
    • Festuca rubra spp. communata (Chewings fescue) 30%
    • Agrostis tenuis (Bents browntop) 35%

    Shade Lawn Seed Mix Example:

    • Poa pratensis (Smooth Stalked Meadow grass) 40% 
    • Festuca longifolia (Hard Fescue) 50%
    • Poa Supina (Bluegrass) 10%
    Sowing grass seed on a lawn

    Sowing a lawn from seed gives you the ultimate freedom to pick the very best mix of grasses for your garden conditions. However, you can only sow a lawn from seed between March and September, never in winter.

    How to sow a lawn from seed

    Once you’ve chosen the seed mix for the type of lawn you are laying, it's now time to distribute them evenly and at the right density for your lawn.

    1. Choose your lawn seed-spreading method.

    My preferred method is to use a lawn seed spreader. These relatively cost-effective and easy-to-use tools enable the correct distribution of seeds to be dropped as you wheel them over the area. If you’re spreading by hand, it’s a good move to split the total amount of seed into four amounts and move both horizontally and vertically in 4 passes to drop the seed evenly.

    You can also mix the seed with fine sand if scattering by hand to make it easier to see where you’ve spread it.

    2. How to spread lawn seed

    If using a seed spreader, then a suitable method is to seed at a 45-degree angle in rows rather than vertical stripes. This is because it becomes less obvious to the naked eye as the lawn establishes vertical stripes.

    It also means any gaps are less likely to be visible at first. Meaning you can go and reseed these areas. For extensive turf areas, some lawn experts recommend using curved patterns, but for most people, simple lines are easier.

    Don’t be tempted to over-sow the lawn with more seed than recommended. It just means you’re creating more challenging conditions for the rest of the lawn to germinate.

    Sowing grass seed to lay a lawn

    3. Don’t cover the lawn seed.

    The grass seed itself does not need burying like other seeds. It requires light to germinate properly, so don’t go to the trouble of trying to sieve a layer of topsoil over it like you may do other seeds.

    4. Lightly water the seed.

    Some lawn experts recommend using the back of a rake to tamp down the seed. However, in my experience, this is where most new gardeners can cause more harm than good.

    Unless the weather is bone dry, your grass seed can stick to your shoes or a wet rake will lift it and cause a mess in your distribution. Instead, I recommend light watering with a fine hose sprinkler, even the mist attachment, if possible. This is so you don’t disturb the seed that’s been carefully laid out.

    5. Watering the lawn until germination.

    Keep your new lawn watered, especially in warmer weather. It doesn’t need to be soaked, but don’t let the ground completely dry out or get scorched. Then, in 7-21 days, your seeds should start to germinate, and the magic begins!

    Keeping Birds off Your Lawn Seed

    One important point to stress is the need to keep birds off your lawn seed. Birds will eat your lawn seed and undo all of your lawn installation efforts!

    The best way to do this is to crisscross the string about 3 inches off the ground just before watering the seed. Tie these to pegs on the outskirts of the seeded area, a matrix of string to stop the birds from easily landing.

    When walking on the newly laid seed, use your wooden plank to stand on so as not to move the seed about. 

    Other methods involve placing a well-stocked bird feeder elsewhere in the garden. Don’t panic if the birds take a bit or disturb certain areas. You can always reseed these once the rest of the lawn has germinated. This is a good way of keeping everything in balance, trainee Ninja!

    How long does lawn seed take to germinate?

    Lawn seeds should germinate and show green shoots between 7 and 21 days. This depends on the weather, average temperature, and moisture availability.

    If your seed hasn't germinated after 21 days, light sieving of compost over the top and a watering can help kick start it. The compost retains moisture longer, allowing the seeds to imbibe (take on) the water needed to sprout.

    How long does lawn seed take to germinate in the UK?

    In the UK, lawn seed germination usually takes 10-14 days to see your seedlings sprout green shoots. However, compared to other parts of the world, lawn seed germination will be surprisingly quick here in the UK. This is because we have a perfect mix of sunlight and rainfall during the spring and summer, creating the perfect conditions for speedy lawn seed germination.

    lush lawns

    What's the best time of year to lay a lawn?

    The best time to lay a lawn is between autumn and spring when the temperatures are lower, and moisture levels are higher. However, it is also best to lay a lawn any time between September and April when there is no frost.

    We want to avoid hotter summer weather because the heat causes much-needed moisture to evaporate from the turf. In extreme cases, the lawn will lose more moisture than we can water it, causing stress. This results in lawns not rooting property and needing life support as we waste water trying to keep it alive.

    Whilst you can lay a lawn at any time of year, there are two conditions you want to avoid:

    1. Heatwaves
    2. Frost

    Both conditions make it hard, sometimes impossible, for rolled turf to take or grass seed to germinate, so it should be avoided.

    Laying turf in summer

    Many new gardeners think summer is the best time for laying a new lawn. But it's one of the worst times, given the extra water and resources it will take to get a lawn established. However, sometimes you have no choice, especially if your garden landscaping has run over and you need to get some lawn down in the summer.

    If you have to lay turf in summer, keep those points in mind:

    • Start laying turf immediately after delivery.
    • Water your prepared soil before laying the turf.
    • Keep turf rolls in the shade once delivered
    • In a heat wave, you can cover the turf with a wet towel to prevent it from drying out.
    • If rolled turf is left for over 48 hours, you will need to unroll it after this time.
    • Water turf immediately after laying with a heavy soaker.
    • If turfing a large area, water in sections as you go.

    Can I lay a lawn in winter?

    You can lay a lawn from rolled turf in winter if you're desperate, but bear in mind that frost, sub-zero temperatures and hard ice-covered grounds will make it really difficult, if not impossible, for the lawn to root.

    If the garden temperature is below 5 degrees, I wouldn't advise laying a lawn.

    Frosty lawn

    Sowing lawn seeds in winter is challenging and not advisable as the seeds probably won't germinate. If they do, any frosts may kill off their young shoots. The grass seeds have an inbuilt germination system that will stop them from growing if the conditions aren't right. It will be too cool for them to take on water and start to root, so they will sit there getting eaten by the birds!

    How to fix a mossy lawn

    Scarifying a lawn involves the process of mechanically removing thatch, moss, and other debris that may have accumulated on the surface of the lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that can build up over time and prevent air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil. Using a scarifier or dethatching machine, the thatch layer is gently raked out, allowing for better airflow, water penetration, and nutrient absorption into the soil.

    The correct angle to scarify a lawn

    In addition to removing thatch, scarifying also helps control moss growth, which can thrive in compacted and shaded lawn areas. By raking out moss and other debris, scarifying opens up the turf, allowing sunlight and air to reach the grass plants and promoting healthier growth.

    Furthermore, scarifying stimulates the lawn's natural regrowth process by encouraging the spread of grass seeds and the development of new shoots. This helps to fill in bare patches, improve the density of the turf, and create a more uniform and lush appearance.

    Scarifying is an essential lawn care practice that rejuvenates the turf, enhances vigour, and creates optimal growing conditions for healthy grass. Depending on the condition of the turf and the level of thatch buildup, it is typically recommended that the lawn be scarified once or twice a year. For best results, scarify in Spring or Autumn.

    The Freshness Factor: Timing Is Everything!

    When turf is lifted and rolled, the clock starts ticking. Grass begins to degrade immediately due to exposure to wind and sunlight, which dry out the soil and damage those precious grass plants. To keep your lawn looking lush, insist on turf delivered within 24 hours of being lifted.

    Here’s the kicker: if the temperature climbs above 15ºC, the inner layers of the turf roll can overheat, literally cooking the grass from the inside out. Ask your supplier if they cold-store the turf after harvesting—this can be a lawn lifesaver in warmer months.

    Say No to Plastic Netting in Turf

    Some turf suppliers use plastic netting to give their grass an artificial boost in strength during harvesting. It sounds handy, but let me explain why it’s not ninja-approved:

    • Shortcut Growing Times: Netted turf often means the grass has been rushed through a shortened nurturing period—just 6 months instead of the recommended 12-14 months. This leaves you with weaker grass plants.
    • Compromised Soil Bond: Because netted turf is grown with less soil, it struggles to establish a strong bond with your garden’s surface, leading to patchy results.
    • Plastic Pollution: Netting is a nightmare for the soil, restricting aeration and scarifying it. Plus, those plastics don’t break down, leaving an unwanted legacy in your garden.

    How to fix a lumpy, bumpy lawn

    A smooth, even lawn is not just visually appealing but also easier to maintain, especially if your lawn mower gets snapped on bumps and ends up scalping your lawn every weekend! If your lawn is bumpy and uneven, don’t worry—restoring its lush appearance is entirely achievable with a bit of know-how. Here’s my expert guide to levelling a lumpy lawn and keeping it that way.

    1. Identify the Cause

    Before tackling uneven spots, figure out what’s causing the bumps. If you don't, you may find they return, and all your hard lawn care work is for nothing! Common culprits include:

    • Soil Settling: This is especially common after construction or poor initial soil preparation.
    • Drainage Issues: Water pooling can erode soil and create uneven patches.
    • Pest Damage: Burrowing animals like moles or insects can disrupt your lawn.
    • Thatch Build-Up: A thick layer of organic material can cause surface irregularities.

    2. Topdressing for Minor Lawn Bumps

    For small dips, a topdressing approach is both simple and effective. This can easily be done in a weekend and is the lowest effort method for fixing bumpy and lumpy lawns. Here’s how to do it Garden Ninja-style:

    • Prepare the Mix: Use a blend of sand, loam, and compost for balanced drainage and fertility.
    • Apply the Mix: Spread a thin layer (no more than 1/2 inch) over low spots.
    • Rake and Water: Use a garden rake to distribute the soil evenly, ensuring it fills dips without smothering grass. Water thoroughly to help the soil settle.
    • Repeat as Needed: Allow the grass to grow through the topdressing. If unevenness persists, repeat in a few weeks as the top dressing settles and fills the voids in your lawn.
    Sieving compost over lawn seed

    3. Fixing Significant Bumps and Holes

    For more noticeable lumps and dips, it's time to take a hands-on approach and slice those bumps away. Depending on the size of your lawn, you will need a clean, sharp spade and a full weekend's worth of effort. Do this in spring or early autumn, but never in winter.

    • Remove the Turf: Cut through the grass using a sharp spade horizontally, as if you are lifting the turf, but only focus on the bump. This is like skimming the top off the lawn and removing the lumps with ut. Keep the grass intact, like a turf patch. Set it aside, ready to be reused later.
    • Adjust the Soil: Add or remove soil as needed to level the area. Dig and remove any spare soil to ensure that when the previously lifted turf goes back on its level. For the best results, use the same topdressing mix.
    • Replace the Turf: Carefully lay the turf back into place, pressing down firmly. Water generously for the first 2-3 weeks.
    Garden Ninjas golden spade on the lawm

    4. Aerate and Overseed

    Aerating can make a massive difference if your lawn feels compacted and bumpy across large areas. You use a unique hollow tine aerator tool or lawn aerator machine that works over the entire lawn to remove tiny plugs of soil, allowing air and spaces in which you can refill with sane to help drainage.

    • Aeration: Use a core aerator to remove soil plugs, loosen the soil, and promote healthy grass roots. This is time-consuming, so make sure once you start you have enough energy and time to finish it. If possible, it's well worth doing this every 5-10 years on all lawns to stop lumps and compaction.
    • Overseeding: Spread fresh grass seed after aerating to thicken the lawn and cover newly levelled patches.

    5. Tackle Drainage Problems

    Poor drainage is a common reason for uneven lawns, especially in newly built homes and houses that have their gardens on heavy clay soil. Here’s how to fix it:

    • Regrade the Lawn: Adjust slopes so water drains away from your home and garden beds.
    • Install Drainage Systems: French drains or dry wells can redirect excess water. While these are time-consuming and expensive, sometimes they are the best solution for heavy clay or a newly built lawn. If you have just moved in, bite the bullet and get a landscaper to lay a French drain or drainage crates under the soil before laying a lawn.
    • Use Permeable Soil: Ensure your topsoil mix contains sand or grit to improve water flow and has plenty of organic matter in there. Remove any hardcore and builders' waste or bricks uncovered when adding drainage from your soil.

    6. Prevent Future Bumps

    To keep your lawn level long-term, follow these tips:

    • Regular Mowing: Mow at the right height for your grass type to avoid scalping.
    • Consistent Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to promote deep roots.
    • Seasonal Maintenance: Regularly fertilise, overseen, and aerate to maintain even growth.
    • Pest Control: Stay vigilant for signs of pests like moles or lawn grubs.

    Your First Mow: Getting It Right From the Start

    Right, let's talk about that nerve-wracking first mow! After weeks of nurturing your new turf like a precious newborn, the thought of running a mower over it can be terrifying. But done correctly, that first cut is actually a crucial step in establishing a healthy, thick lawn that'll be the envy of your neighbors.

    The All-Important Tug Test

    Before you even think about firing up the mower, you need to check if your turf is properly rooted. This is where the "tug test" comes in – and it's exactly what it sounds like! Grab a handful of grass blades and give them a gentle but firm tug upwards. If the turf lifts easily or you can see daylight under the edges, it's not ready. The grass should feel securely anchored, almost like it's telling you to "bog off" when you try to lift it!

    Getting Your Blade Height Spot On

    For that first cut, set your mower blades high – we're talking about 4-5cm (about 2 inches). This might seem ridiculously tall compared to your usual lawn height, but trust me on this one. Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single cut, especially on new turf.

    A rotary push mower

    Think of it like giving your lawn a gentle trim rather than a short back and sides. The grass plants are still putting all their energy into developing roots, and scalping them at this stage will stress them unnecessarily. I always tell my clients: "You're giving it a haircut, not shaving it bald!"

    Mowing Direction Strategy

    Here's something most people don't know: change your mowing direction for the first few cuts. If you laid your turf in straight lines (which you should have!), mow diagonally across these lines for the first mow. This prevents the mower wheels from following the same turf joints every time, which can cause compaction along the seams.

    For subsequent early mows, alternate between different diagonal directions. Once your lawn is fully established (around 8 weeks), you can start creating those satisfying stripes by mowing in alternating directions each week.

    What to Do With Those First Clippings

    Always collect the grass clippings from your first few mows – don't leave them on the lawn. New turf is still developing its structure, and a layer of clippings can smother the young grass and prevent light from reaching the base of the plants.

    I pop the clippings straight into my compost bin where they'll break down beautifully. If you don't have a compost system, bag them up for your garden waste collection. Once your lawn is fully established (after about 8 weeks), you can start leaving clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer.

    A set of 4 hand made compost bins from pallets

    Warning Signs: When Your Turf Isn't Ready

    Don't mow if you notice any of these red flags:

    • Soggy or waterlogged turf – Wait for drier conditions
    • Turf edges curling up – This indicates the pieces haven't knitted together properly
    • Yellow or brown patches – These areas need more time to establish
    • Footprints that don't spring back – The soil underneath is too soft

    I once had a client who was so eager to mow that he ignored these signs and ended up with ruts throughout his new lawn. We had to lift and relay several sections – definitely not the outcome anyone wants!

    Your Lawn's First Two Months: A Week-by-Week Journey

    Creating a new lawn is like raising a child, it goes through distinct phases, each with its own needs and milestones. Here's what to expect during those crucial first eight weeks, based on thirty-five years of watching lawns grow from scraggly turf rolls into lush green carpets.

    Weeks 1-2: The Critical Period (Handle With Care!)

    This is make-or-break time for your new lawn. Think of it as your turf's "intensive care" period where everything you do matters enormously.

    What's happening underground: The grass roots are frantically trying to push through the turf base and establish contact with your prepared soil. It's exhausting work for the plants, which is why they need your full support.

    Your watering mission: Water thoroughly every other day, or daily if it's particularly warm or windy. I'm talking about a proper soaking – at least 20-30 minutes with a sprinkler to ensure water penetrates right through the turf into the soil below. Light, frequent watering is your enemy here; it encourages shallow rooting.

    Foot traffic: Absolutely none! I tell clients to treat their new lawn like a "do not disturb" sign. Even walking across it to check how it's doing can cause damage. If you must cross it (to retrieve a football, for instance), lay down planks to distribute your weight.

    Visual milestones: By the end of week 2, you should see the turf joints starting to close up slightly. The grass color should remain vibrant green, not yellowing or browning.

    Weeks 3-4: Root Development Phase (Light at the End of the Tunnel)

    This is when things get exciting! Your patience is about to pay off as the turf transforms from individual pieces into the beginnings of a unified lawn.

    What's happening underground: Roots are now properly exploring your soil, and you should start to see the turf pieces knitting together. This is when the magic really happens.

    The tug test milestone: By week 3, your turf should pass the tug test I mentioned earlier. If it doesn't, give it another week and keep up the watering routine.

    Watering adjustment: You can start reducing frequency slightly – every 2-3 days rather than daily, but make each watering session longer and deeper. We're training those roots to grow down, not just spread sideways.

    Light use begins: Once your turf passes the tug test, you can start gentle use. I'm talking about a slow stroll to appreciate your handiwork, not hosting the family BBQ! Children and pets should still be kept off for another week or two.

    First mow consideration: If your grass has reached 7-8cm tall and passes the tug test convincingly, you can consider that first mow. Follow my guidelines above and take it slowly.

    Weeks 5-8: Full Establishment (Nearly There!)

    By week 5, you should be feeling pretty proud of your lawn. This is when it transitions from "new turf" to "proper lawn" – though it's still got some growing up to do.

    What's happening underground: Root systems are now well-established and reaching deeper into your soil. The individual turf pieces should be completely invisible, replaced by a seamless green surface.

    Normal use begins: By week 6, your lawn can handle normal family use. Garden parties, playing catch, setting up the deck chairs – it's all good! Just avoid anything too intensive like football practice or wearing stiletto heels.

    Watering maturity: Reduce watering to twice weekly, but make each session substantial. Your lawn is learning to be self-sufficient, and you're helping train it for future dry spells.

    First maintenance tasks: Around week 6-7, you can start regular weekly mowing (following proper mowing guidelines). You might also consider a light feeding with autumn lawn fertilizer if you laid the turf in early autumn.

    Visual milestone: By week 8, your lawn should look like it's been there for years. The color should be uniform, the surface level, and the whole thing should feel springy and lush underfoot.

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    Summary

    If you follow this lawn care guide, you'll have the perfect lawn in no time, whether using rolled turf for the instant new lawn or the more selective lawn seed. Although lawn seed takes far longer to establish, it does allow you to pick a precise blend of grass seeds for more problematic shady or delicate ornamental lawns.

    Lawns help provide year-round greenery to your garden, which helps lift your mood and provide a beautiful foil for the rest of your garden plants. During the winter, your lawn will require slightly different care to the summer when it's actively growing. If you need winter lawn tips, then this article will show you what to do during the colder months to keep your turf looking fantastic!

    Once established, you'll be able to use a lawn mower to keep your new lawn looking fantastic all year round. There are even robotic lawnmowers now to remove the need to lift a finger!

    If you've just laid a new lawn, why not TweetFacebook or Instagram me with your pictures? You can also follow me on YouTube, where I’ve got plenty of garden guide vlogs.

    Happy Gardening!

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