How to lay turf in backyard?

[poppylee198]

Hi,

we are currently removing a heap of gravel that is in part of our backyard and are wanting to replace it with turf. 
Could you let us know the process? Do we need to use something to break up the hard/clay like dirt that is in parts? Do we need to ensure we remove all of the gravel or is there something we can place on top? 
Note: regardless in order to level it we already need to add a considerable amount of top soil.

thank you!  

[EricL]

Hello @poppylee198 

Thank you for sharing your question about laying turf in your garden. If you have rocky clay-type soil the general treatment steps are to use gypsum and add compost, it will take time to treat and reinvigorate your soil but it can be done. The rocks of course will need to be removed, one way to get around the waiting game is to lay 150mm to 200mm of good garden soil on top, but even then, I highly recommend breaking up the clay soil underneath with a digging machine to prevent water from getting logged underneath.

Here are some discussions that will help you prepare your soil before laying turf: 

• How to determine soil health by @Noelle
   
• How do you improve clay soil?
   
• How to remove clay soil? by @Amylee
   
• New home lawn on clay soil by @vegie82.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to lay turf

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric