How to lay a new lawn: step-by-step guide for seed and turf

A dense, green lawn is the heart of the garden for many people. Laying a new lawn is a job you can easily do yourself, as long as you take time for the preparation. The secret of good grass is not in the sowing itself, but in the soil underneath. In this blog you will read how to prepare the soil, whether to choose seed or turf and how to look after the young grass properly.

👷 Calling in a landscape gardener is never superfluous. With a large garden, a wet garden with poor drainage, big height differences or heavy clay soil, a professional helps you with the right soil improvement, drainage and machinery.

Seed or turf?

• Sowing takes more patience. The grass needs a few weeks to grow dense, but you can choose a seed mix that suits your garden, for example for shade or a play lawn.
• Turf gives a green result straight away and you can walk on it carefully after a few weeks. Laying it is harder work though, because the rolls are wet and heavy.

The best periods are spring and early autumn, when the soil is warm enough and it is not too dry.

What do you need to lay a lawn?

Tools for the soil

• A sharp spade to loosen the soil and cut away old turf.
• A garden shovel to move soil and soil improver.
• An adjustable rake to rake the soil level and fine, and a hand rake and hand fork for edges and small areas.
• A fan rake to remove stones, roots and other debris from the surface.
• A tape measure with auto-lock to measure the area.

Watering and maintenance

• An oscillating sprinkler to keep the seed or turf evenly moist.
• A hose reel to roll up the garden hose neatly and prevent tripping.
• A cordless lawn mower for the first mowing sessions.

Personal protective equipment

• garden gloves with latex coating against blisters, splinters and dirt.
• A safety shoe or sturdy footwear when digging and mowing.
• knee pads for laying turf and working on the edges.
• safety goggles when spreading soil on a windy day or when mowing.

Step 1: prepare the soil

Remove old grass, weeds and roots. Loosen the soil to a depth of about twenty centimetres, so the grass roots get room to grow. If the soil is very heavy or very sandy, mix a suitable soil improver into the top layer. Then rake away all stones and roots. Rake the soil level in two directions and let it rest for a week or two. That way the soil can settle and you can still remove any weeds that come up.

Step 2a: sowing grass

1. Rake the top few centimetres fine and level once more.
2. Spread half of the seed lengthways and the other half crossways. That prevents bare patches.
3. Rake the seed in very lightly, so it lies just below the surface.
4. Firm the soil, for example with a board that you walk on.
5. Keep the top layer moist with a fine spray for the first few weeks.

Step 2b: laying turf

1. Lay the turf as soon as possible after delivery, preferably on the same day.
2. Start along a straight edge and lay the rolls in a staggered pattern, just like brickwork.
3. Push the joints tightly together, without overlapping the turf.
4. Cut edges to size with a sharp spade.
5. Water generously straight after laying, so the turf is wet on the underside too.

💡 When laying turf, walk on a board instead of on the freshly laid turf. That spreads your weight and prevents dents.

Step 3: watering and the first mow

Young grass dries out quickly. In dry weather, water every day for the first few weeks, preferably in the morning. Only start mowing when the grass is about eight to ten centimetres tall and do not cut it too short. A sharp blade gives a clean result and prevents the young blades from tearing. Walk on the new lawn as little as possible until it has rooted well.

Common mistakes

• Not loosening the soil properly, so water stays on the surface and roots do not grow deep.
• An uneven base, so the lawn becomes bumpy and hard to mow later.
• Too little water in the first few weeks.
• Mowing too early and too short.

Working safely

Digging and laying turf is heavy work. Lift with a straight back and bent knees, keep a roll close to your body and take enough breaks. Wear gloves and sturdy footwear and use knee pads when working on your knees. Never mow in open shoes and keep children and pets away from the mower. Put the garden hose back on the reel after use, so nobody trips over it. You can read more about garden tools in our guide to Stalco Garden tools and our blog on gardening gloves and tools.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to lay a lawn?

In spring or early autumn. The soil is warm enough then and there is usually enough rain.

How long before I can walk on the new grass?

With turf, carefully after a few weeks. With sown grass it takes longer; wait until it has been mown a few times.

Can I sow on old grass?

For a completely new lawn it is better to remove the old turf. You can overseed bare patches in an existing lawn.

When should I call in a landscape gardener?

With a large or wet garden, heavy clay, big height differences or if you want help with drainage and soil improvement.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Read also: How to install garden irrigation, How to trim a hedge and Getting your garden ready for winter

Read also: How to remove weeds between paving tiles

Read also: How to lay a garden path

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.