Whether you’re preparing the ground for turf or seed, the process is largely the same. The main difference is that you have slightly more leeway on the levelling when using turf because it already has a layer of soil itself (but turf is miles more expensive so it’s the least I would expect when paying so much).
On another note, if you’ve read my other lawn care articles, you’ll know that I’m massively in favour of seed over turf.
Anyhow. If you’ve made your decision and you’re gonna be laying turf, you still need to prepare the ground. That’s where this article comes in.
I’m giving you the step-by step process to create the best possible soil bed for not only laying turf but also making sure it stands the test of time. Of course, you’ll still need to keep up your yearly lawn programme if you want the new grass to remain in top shape.
Laying turf is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to establish a lush green lawn. However proper ground preparation is crucial for the long-term success of your new turf lawn. One of the most important steps when preparing for turf is leveling and grading the soil. Laying turf on an uneven surface will lead to an uneven lawn that is prone to bare or thin patches. With some basic tools and techniques, leveling your soil before laying turf is a straightforward process.
When to Level the Soil
The ideal time to level soil in preparation for new turf is well in advance of the turf laying—at least a few weeks ahead of time. This allows the soil to settle completely so you can re-check for dips and bumps before laying the turf. Early fall is an optimal time for both leveling soil and laying new turf, as the ground is still warm, rain is more frequent, and weed pressure is lower. However, with proper watering and care, turf can be laid during most times of the year.
Grading vs Leveling
While the terms grading and leveling are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference. Grading refers to major reshaping of the ground’s contours, usually with heavy equipment. Leveling is done after grading to smooth out minor dips, bumps, and inconsistencies until the soil has a flat, even plane. For most residential turf projects, grading is not necessary, and soil leveling by itself provides the ideal smooth surface for laying turf.
Tools and Materials
Leveling soil for turf requires only a few simple tools:
- String line and stakes
- Measuring tape
- Shovel and/or rake
- Lawn roller or lute
- Topsoil or soil amendments
- Landscape rake
- Pre-turf starter fertilizer
A lawn roller, also called a land roller, is a weighted cylinder that smooths and compacts the soil as it rolls. A lute is a homemade leveling tool constructed from a straight board with a handle on one end. These tools compress high spots and fill in low areas to help smooth and flatten the soil.
How to Level Soil Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for leveling your soil before laying turf
1. Remove debris
Pick up and discard any sticks rocks roots or other debris from the area. Debris prevents proper leveling and causes bumps under the turf.
2. Set string lines
Drive stakes in around the perimeter of the area and pull taut string lines at your desired finished height. This is usually about 1 inch below the final turf height to allow for the turf thickness. The string lines act as guides for cutting high areas and filling low spots.
3. Loosen the soil
Use a shovel, tiller or cultivator to loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil to make leveling easier. Break up any hardened or compacted areas.
4. Grade high and low areas
Remove soil from high spots with a shovel or rake to reach the string line height. Transfer soil to low areas and tamp it down firmly with the backside of a rake.
5. Apply topsoil (if needed)
If low spots still exist after moving and tamping existing soil, add topsoil to build them up to the proper grade.
6. Roll or lute the surface
Use a lawn roller or homemade lute to smooth out minor bumps, compress soil in filled areas, and settle the overall grade. Check string lines again and make adjustments as needed.
7. Rake lightly
Use a landscape rake to loosen the top 1⁄2 inch of soil into a smooth, fine texture. Pick up any new rocks or debris that are unearthed.
8. Apply starter fertilizer
Spread pre-turf starter fertilizer evenly according to package directions. This promotes root establishment after turf is laid.
9. Water lightly
Water the area just until the top few inches of soil are moistened. This settles the soil particles and creates a better contact surface for the new turf.
10. Install turf
Once the soil is properly leveled, graded, and moistened, you are ready to lay and install the new turf according to the supplier’s recommendations.
Tips for Effective Soil Leveling
-
Allow enough time for adequate settling between soil leveling and laying turf—a week or two is ideal if possible.
-
Level and grade the soil in several directions for the most uniform surface.
-
To prevent dips around edges later, level soil 1-2 inches beyond the planned turf area.
-
Use plenty of topsoil in low areas to allow for settling after watering and rolling.
-
Roll or lute the surface repeatedly in different directions to catch all high and low spots.
-
Avoid over-compacting soil when rolling or tamping. Stop once soil is uniformly firm.
-
Make subtle adjustments over multiple passes rather than aggressive leveling in one attempt.
-
Lay turf immediately after the final rolling and watering to prevent new dips and bumps.
With attention to detail and some laborious work wielding a shovel, rake, and lawn roller, you can level and smooth soil into the perfect base for a flawless turf lawn. By following the proper techniques and sequence of steps, you’ll avoid many of the frustrations and problems that come with laying turf over an uneven surface. Keep the guidelines above in mind, and don’t cut corners on ground preparation before your big turf installation day arrives.
Step 3 – Test the PH Level of the soil
Lots of people skip this step and I understand it seems a bit OTT.
But, it’s dead easy to do and you can easily get hold of a PH tester from your local garden centre of even online. Don’t skip it because it will guide you for the next steps (keep reading).
Grass thrives in soil that has a PH level of 7 (neutral) or as close to 7 as possible. That means not too acidic and not too alkaline. If you find your soil is either side of neutral, there are things you can do to modify it.
Step 6 – Roll & flatten the soil
Once you’re happy with the overall evenness of the surface, it’s time to get your pernickety head on. Because now you need to make the surface as flat as possible.
Fair do’s though, with turf you do have a bit of give because there’s already soil attached to the bottom. A strong incentive for choosing turf.
That said, you should definitely try to get the ground as flat as possible. The first step is to roll over the soil with a heavy drum roller. I’ve got one of those dead heavy metal ones but these days you can pick up water butt rollers for pretty cheap.
You could use a soil compacting machine if you really want to get it perfect.
how to level soil and lay turf
FAQ
How do you flatten soil before laying turf?
- Begin by digging over or rotovating the soil to loosen it up.
- Remove any surface stone, clods, other debris and perennial weeds.
- Once loosened the soil should be lightly compacted by walking over the whole area and then again at right angles to the first direction.
How to level soil before laying artificial turf?
Spread your chosen sub-base aggregate evenly across the surface and rake it to enhance its stability. Then, once again, use the hand tamper or lawn roller to compact the base material. This will ensure that the surface is even, flat, and ready for your synthetic grass product.
Should you compact soil before laying turf?
Unless this is new soil that hasn’t been previously compacted (naturally or mechanically), then there is no need to compact the area before laying turf. If anything, when laying turf, you want to aerate and open up the existing compacted soil so the new roots can penetrate.
What level should soil be for turf?
So, when you’re creating a new lawn, allow plenty of time to get the soil ready for your turf, or seed – the soil prep is the same. Preparing to lay the perfect lawn includes the following: Clear away any plants, weeds and debris. Dig or rotovate soil to at least 15cm deep.