How Can I Prepare This Soil For Turf? [Pics]

[ILikeDIYS]

Need to lay a turf across 80%-width of this garden (the sides will be raised flower beds). How can I flaten this mud ready for turfing? Can I run a plate compactor over it? Thanks.

 

[r896neo]

You need to wait for a dry day and either rotovate it to break it up or just rake rake and rake some more.

Then heel it in by walking all over it. or use a garden roller.

Using a plate compactor will create a solid pan that will badly impede drainage and root growth.

 

[lostinthelight]

Will you have to walk over the new turf to hang the washing out?
litl

 

[WabbitPoo]

Do tell how it got into that state....do you keep pigs?

 

[ILikeDIYS]

Do tell how it got into that state....do you keep pigs?

My mum used a regular fork on it when I wasn't looking? Walked out to see this.

Will have paving slabs to walk over for washing.

 

[r896neo]

Your mum has done a good job. A few days of strong sun and a lot of rake would sort it out.

A rotovater as i said will make it much less work. You might even get away with a lightweight tiller as she has done the hard work.

 

[Mursal]

Walk on plenty, or roll
Rake leaving the finish quite firm so the levels will stay as they are.
Water well lay turf, ensuring you have enough loose soil for the turf to grow into 25mm will be plenty.
Keep watered ...........