Preparing soil for turf

[Paul17088071]

Hi all.

I am near the end of my process readying the soil to lay turf, removing weeds, stones etc up to 20cm deep. A long slog with a fork and spade!

I am adding some top soil to the existing soil. Should I walk over the current soil and compact it prior to adding the top soil, or add the top soil first and then compact the soil?

Many thanks, Paul.

 

[blup]

Either way, there will be a fair amount of compaction when you lay the turf, you will be able to control the flatness better with the former if that’s sn issue

 

[Paul17088071]

Thanks a lot for your help, I’ll go with that

 

[Odds]

Hi all.

I am near the end of my process readying the soil to lay turf, removing weeds, stones etc up to 20cm deep. A long slog with a fork and spade!

I am adding some top soil to the existing soil. Should I walk over the current soil and compact it prior to adding the top soil, or add the top soil first and then compact the soil?

Many thanks, Paul.

If you're going to tread it down then best to lay a plank across the surface before you start - spread the weight more evenly.

 

[Paul17088071]

Great, so just walk across a plank back and forth to level it?

 

[Odds]

Whistling a merry tune as you go.

 

[Paul17088071]

Whistling a merry tune as you go.

That was boring …job done though! Thank you.

Can I just ask you please, once I have added top soil, do I need to fully compact the soil to lay turf, or do I need to compact it then rake a top layer back for the turf?

I think it’s the former, just want to make sure I’m right.

Many thanks

 

[Odds]

Can i assume you don't have access to a search engine?
Maybe ask @ellal ... he knows all about planks.

 

[Deryck Tintagel]

I did my lawn a few years back and walk back and forth on my heels in very small steps. You look silly but it is the way to do it in my opinion. Then rake over the surface to get a nice level for the turf. Use a plank when laying the turf and don't walk on it for a few weeks after.

It will settle over time and hollows appear so I just fill with soil and over-seed