Useful Considerations For A New Lawn Installation

By Joe Mouad

Today having a beautiful looking lawn is becoming important to more house owners every year. There are two ways in which you can achieve this, you can fit the lawn yourself or you can hire a specialist landscaping company with expertise in lawn installation. Whichever option is best for you it is wise to learn about the process involved.

The most popular method for lawn installation involves the use of turf grass. There are many different types of lawn grass that are available; you need to choose the right one for your garden's requirements. Many professionals will suggest using a grass that is native to your region, but other varieties are still very popular such as Buffalo grass and Kentucky grass as local grasses are not always easy to get hold of. If you can get a local variety then it is likely to be more water efficient and will take to the conditions much better.

When it comes to designing the landscape plan, you need to think carefully about which areas will have lawn grass. Today environmental regulations and factors can be important as water efficiency is a vital aspect of any garden. It may be better not to have small rows of grass close to fences and sidewalks.

Before laying out your new lawn it is essential to conduct proper soil preparation. This will enhance the time it takes for your grass to take root. The aspects to consider are good drainage, smooth contours, no high or low spots, and good topsoil. Remember to slope the ground at a slight angle away from buildings for drainage purposes, and ensure the turf is not too high above footpath level.

Anybody that has experience with laying a lawn will know that it is best to use a well drained loam as topsoil. Sandy or gravelly options may dry out too fast especially during the summer months. Clay based soils are best avoided as they can contribute to water logging. More often than not, the soil that already is present will be adequate enough.

By adding organic matter and compost the soil should become richer. This can include ordinary garden compost or rotten mushroom manure, peat moss, or sawdust mixed with chicken manure. It is vital that whatever organic matter is added it is spread evenly throughout the topsoil so as to provide a good dispersion of nutrients.

Before laying the turf you should apply a thin layer of lime and then till it over. You can use a pitch fork or a roto-till to break the soil up to a depth of around five inches. It is best to leave the soil to stand for a couple of days before levelling it off with a rake and then roll and compact.

The time taken to prepare a lawn installation is well worth it as the finished product will last for decades and will provide you with an outdoor area to be proud of. - 30228

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