Laying turf on top of new topsoil - stamp or roller?

[skotl]

Hi all

had conflicting advice (which may well continue ) on whether I should roller the new topsoil before laying turf, or do the duckwalk / stamping?

What do you think?
Cheers
Scott

 

[pinenot]

In my experience of new builds, one company differs from the other. I've seen a lightweight roller (sit on) used, and the turf layers wearing strapped on square ended oblong boards, which they tramped the soil down with, raked level and left a good tilth on the soil before spreading sharp sand all over then laid the turf. Both approaches seamed to work well enough, the aftercare of the lawn is more important, spiking (aeration) watering (very important) and cutting/rolling with no grass box on i.e. leave the cuttings to attract the worms who will both aerate and feed the lawn with their casts...pinenot

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/garden/new-turf-laid-over-too-soft-soil.374316/

 

[skotl]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/garden/new-turf-laid-over-too-soft-soil.374316/

Cheers, BAS. I saw that post yesterday, which is what prompted me to hire a roller from HSS. But since then, two people (including the guy who delivered the turf today) have said don't roller it - stamp on it.

 

[r896neo]

Try it and you will see that the pressure exerted from your foot is much higher than a roller (unless your using a super heavy one dragged behind a mini tractor or similar.

 

[skotl]

Fair enough. Thanks gents.

I have had 10 tons of soil and 59m2 of turf delivered today so I've cancelled the HSS order for a roller and added another wheelbarrow

Me and 3 mates/victims will be doing the duckwalk tomorrow!

 

[r896neo]

60m/s is very walkable.

 

[skotl]

Done!

When we'd first raked the soil it looked like the dunes of the Sahara, but much walking later, and also pulling a scaffolding plank holding an eight-year-old as "ballast", evened it all out perfectly.

Turf laid and watered and looking good

Thanks, folks!