How to do re-turfing

If parts of your lawn are starting to look shabby, you can take out any old turf and replace it with new. Here's how you prepare your lawn for re-turfing.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

  • Compost/Fertiliser
  • Weed killer
  • Garden rake
  • Garden shovel
  • Turf
  • Sand
  • Topsoil
  • Rake

The steps to follow

  1. Spray weed killer over your lawn to remove any weeds.
  2. Allow a week for the spray to take full effect and then remove any remaining weeds.
  3. Add fertilizer to improve the condition of the soil and then spread it evenly with a garden rake.
  4. Next, cut any old turf into little squares and lift it off with a garden trowel. Put these squares on your compost heap.
  5. When you have finished removing the old turf, spread a layer of sand onto the patches. Mix it well with the soil.
  6. Next add a layer of topsoil, about 10 cm (4 in) thick, and level with a garden rake. Make sure there are no bumps.
  7. Now that the preparation's done, you're ready to re-lay your lawn.

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