If you are looking for a high-quality lawn, choosing grass turf rolls is about more than just aesthetics; it is about buying time. At Emerald Lawns, we spend over a year cultivating our grass sward on the sandy soils of the North Coast of Ireland so that by the time it reaches you, the “growing pains” of weeds and patchy establishment are already behind you.
In the video below, Colin from Emerald Lawns joins Robbie Lynn from Premier Lawns to give you a behind-the-scenes look at our 170-acre farm. Watch as Colin explains the process of harvesting our fresh grass turf rolls and, crucially, demonstrates the essential work you need to do to ensure it successfully knits into your garden or landscaping project.
Putting in the Groundwork: Professional Care for Fresh Grass Turf Rolls
While turf provides a mature look much faster than seed, the transition from our fields to your garden is a critical period. Because the grass turf rolls are a living, breathing mass of plants, it requires immediate attention to thrive.
1. Saturation is Key
The most common reason for freshly laid turf failing is underwatering. As soon as the turf is laid, it needs to be absolutely saturated to encourage the roots to move downwards.
2. Monitoring Root Development
The rate at which your lawn establishes depends largely on soil temperature. After a week or two, you can gently lift a corner of a turf roll to check for progress. You are looking for small, white roots beginning to knit into the topsoil. Until these are firmly established, the turf remains vulnerable to drying out and shrinking.
3. The First Mow
Generally, your lawn will be ready for its first cut within two weeks, provided the roots have taken hold.
- Firming Up: Stop watering for 48 hours before you plan to mow to avoid creating ruts or leaving deep footprints in the soft soil.
- The “Tip” Technique: Set your mower to its highest setting. You only want to take the very tips off the grass for the first few mows to prevent shocking the plant and causing “retraction.”
- Blending the Joints: After a few consistent mows, the individual rolls will blend together, creating a seamless, uniform surface that is ready for regular use.
Grass Turf Rolls Delivered Throughout the Island of Ireland
Choosing high-quality grass turf rolls is the first step toward a perfect garden, but long-term success comes down to understanding the specific conditions of your local area. From the heavier soils of the Midlands to the coastal conditions of the West, the Irish climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for your lawn. Because we grow our turf on the sandy, free-draining soils of the North Coast, our rolls develop a remarkably strong and fibrous root system, making them resilient enough to thrive in any county across the island.
Our nationwide delivery service is designed with one priority: freshness. Because grass turf rolls are a living, perishable product, they begin to lose moisture the moment they are harvested. To combat this, we harvest to order and coordinate our logistics to ensure the time between our fields and your garden is kept to an absolute minimum. Whether you are a homeowner in Cork or a landscaper in Belfast, you receive a product that is vibrant, hydrated, and ready to knit into its new environment immediately.
To help you maintain a lush, healthy sward year-round, we have created a dedicated resource that covers everything from seasonal feeding and aeration to drainage and moss control. It is designed to help you get the very best out of your investment, regardless of where you are located on the island. We believe that providing the grass is only half the job; providing the knowledge to keep it perfect is the other.
Explore our Lawn Guide for the Island of Ireland for expert advice tailored to our unique climate.