WHAT WE DO

Anderson Norman are Experts at Turfing and Lawn Treatments

Achieving a lush, healthy lawn requires careful site preparation and targeted ongoing maintenance.
TURFING & LAWN TREATMENTS

Key Considerations

Key considerations include soil testing to adjust pH, levelling and drainage to prevent waterlogging, selecting the right grass seed/turf variety for your local sunlight, and establishing a seasonal routine of mowing, fertilising, and weed control.
Here are the essential factors for success:

01

SITE PREPARATION
Clear the Area: It is vital to establish a strong foundation for your lawn by first removing existing weeds, rocks and debris. Using a non-selective herbicide or thoroughly digging over the area is crucial.
Soil Health & Testing: Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Most grasses thrive in a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. We use Royal Horticultural Society guidelines for testing and amending your soil with compost or fertiliser.
Grading and Compaction: Loosen any compacted soil using a garden fork or Rotavator. Also, it is good if you can ensure the ground slopes slightly away from buildings, to prevent water from pooling.

02

TURF SELECTION
Sun vs. Shade: Assess your garden's light exposure. Choose shade-tolerant fescue/rye grass blends for north-facing or tree-covered areas, and hard-wearing rye grass for sunny, high-traffic lawns.
Quality Check: When ordering, it is essential you ensure the turf is freshly cut, weed-free, and has a dense, healthy root system. Plan to lay it within 24 hours of delivery.

03

LAWN TREATMENTS & MAINTENANCE
Fertilisation: To have a healthy lawn, you need to feed your lawn with a balanced N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertiliser, tailored to the season (e.g.- high nitrogen in spring for leaf growth, high potassium in autumn for root strength).
Aeration and Scarification: Aerate compacted soil annually to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Scarify (dike) periodically to remove moss and thatch buildup.
Weed and Pest Control: Hand-pull occasional weeds or spot-treat with selective herbicides. Keep an eye out for pests like leatherjackets (crane fly larvae) which are common in UK lawns.

04

WATERING AND MOWING
Initial Watering: Newly laid turf must be soaked daily for the first 2-3 weeks until the roots establish.
Mowing Practices: Never cut more than one third of the grass blade off in a single mowing. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, as tearing the grass blade makes it more susceptible to disease.
KEY QUESTIONS

Advice from the Experts

For tailored advice based on your specific soil type or local climate, you can consult the RHS Lawn Care Guide.
Key questions that we generally ask before making any lawn recommendations include:
What is the soil type in your area (e.g.- clay, sand, loam)?
How much sunlight does the area receive daily?
Is the lawn intended for heavy foot traffic or pets?