If you wish to put down turf in the summer, or your area does not get enough rainfall in fall and spring, install a watering system or use a hose and sprinkler to make sure your turf gets enough water. If you are installing turf in the fall, lay it down early enough so that it is well established and rooted at least 6 weeks before the first hard freeze of winter. Artificial turf is more expensive than real sod up front, but it doesn’t need real maintenance afterwards, and often has a warranty of about 16 years. [2] X Expert Source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
If the lawn has a lot of weeds, spray it with a weed killer and wait about 48 hours for the weeds to die so they’re easier to remove. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source
Most turfgrass species prefer a soil pH between 6. 0 and 7. 2. [5] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source If your soil is too acidic (low pH), add some ground limestone to the soil. Garden lime can be bought in most garden supply stores. If your soil is too alkaline (high pH), add garden sulfur or some type of acidic mulch, such as pine needles. [6] X Research source Some soil testing kits also allow you to check your soil’s nutrient levels.
Topsoil is a surface soil that is high in nutrients. You can find bags of topsoil at your local garden center. [8] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
To pack soil down more efficiently, rent or buy a water-weighted lawn roller from a garden center or home improvement store. Many models can be either pushed by hand or towed behind a tractor. Adding turf will raise the level of your lawn by about 2 inches (5 cm), so pack your existing soil or turf down by at least that much.
Use a “starter” fertilizer, such as NPK 5-10-5 or similar. [12] X Research source Fertilizer is not effective if it’s used in high temperatures, which is why you should do this in the fall or spring. [13] X Expert Source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
If you choose to use a lawn roller, wait until you have laid out all the strips of turf and then lightly water them before packing them down. Artificial turf can be installed with turf nails. [19] X Expert Source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
To test if the new turf has rooted, grab the surface of the turf and gently try pulling it upward. If the turf lifts up, it hasn’t rooted yet. [21] X Research source
Look online or ask someone at your local garden center what the recommended height is for your turf type. After your mow it the first time, let your lawn grow to be 1 and 1/2 times higher than the recommended height before you mow it again. [23] X Research source
