Wednesday, 19 June 2013

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Your Questions Answered

As Europe's largest producer of cultivated turf and Britain's leading supplier of high quality soil, we are often asked for advice on all aspects of laying, seeding and maintaining a beautiful lawn. The most frequently asked questions are detailed below. You can subscribe to this information through our RSS feed. Click here to learn more about this service, or contact us to ask any questions we haven't covered.

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5. How do I grow a lawn from seed and when is the best time to do this?

The best time of year for seeding is spring and autumn depending on the weather conditions and temperature.

Instructions for sowing a lawn from seed:

  • Existing lawns should be removed using a turf cutter, spade or weed killer

  • Dig over area to a depth of 150-220 mm (6 - 9"), removing all weeds and large stones

  • For the best possible results use Rolawn Turf & Lawn Seeding Topsoil as a seed bed when sowing Rolawn lawn seed. It is a free flowing friable topsoil formulated for use in conjunction with Rolawn turf to ensure early establishment. It provides a level surface and firm foundation required for laying turf or applying lawn seed and is easy to spread, even when moist. It is also blended with Rolawn GroRight® Lawn Establishment Fertiliser to help ensure a lawn gets off to the best possible start.

  • Alternatively Rolawn Soil Improver can be used to dig into the existing soil to add nutrients and to improve structure which will help with drainage and water retention.

  • If Rolawn Turf & Lawn Seeding Topsoil has not been used, rake an application of Rolawn GroRight Lawn Establishment fertiliser into the top 25mm (2") of soil to give your lawn seed the best possible start.

  • Firm the soil by lightly rolling or treading and rake to a level finish.

  • Apply lawn seed evenly over the area at a rate of approximately 35 grams per square metre. It is better to apply the seed in a number of passes achieve an even spread.

  • Lightly rake the seed into the top 12-15 mm (½ - 1") of soil.

  • Firm the soil ideally with a light roller or by treading in.

  • Water well if no significant rain falls. It is essential to keep the soil slightly moist until the grass plants have established.

  • Germination should occur in 7 - 21 days depending upon conditions.

  • The grass can be mown gently when up to 50-80 mm (2-3") high. As the sward fills you can gradually mow down to the desired height. Remember never to cut more than a third of the height at a time.

  • After seeding a new lawn, new weed growth must be treated appropriately.

Visit Rolawn TV to view our 'How to' video on seeding a lawn.


Click here to buy Rolawn Lawn Seed online.

Common lawn care questions

  1. When is the best time of year to lay turf?
  2. How long after delivery can I leave my turf rolled up before laying?
  3. How much soil do I need to lay my turf onto?
  4. Is Rolawn turf suitable for shady areas?
  5. How do I grow a lawn from seed and when is the best time to do this?
  6. How do I overseed my lawn?
  7. How do I calculate the amount of turf required for a circular lawn?
  8. How do I remove my old lawn before laying new turf or seeding?
  9. What depth of play grade bark do you recommend?
  10. How soon after laying turf can I walk on my lawn?
  11. How soon after laying turf should I mow my lawn?
  12. How soon after laying turf can I apply Rolawn GroRight Autumn Lawn Food?
  13. Will my turf contain Annual Meadow Grass?
  14. How should I remove toadstools from my turf?
  15. During the winter my lawn has become sparse and died back, resulting in bare patches. What should I do?
  16. My lawn needs feeding and overseeding. Which should I do first?
  17. My lawn is covered in worm casts. Is there anything I can do?
  18. My dog is urinating on my lawn and it is discolouring the grass, what can I do to stop this and how can I repair the damage?
  19. My lawn has developed patches of white cotton-wool or cobweb-like mould?
  20. How do I improve the soil in my garden?
  21. I will be laying turf next to a path or mowing strip and need to bring the soil up to the correct level. What is the thickness of a roll of Rolawn turf?
  22. My new lawn is very spongy. Should I use a roller on it?