Turf - when to lay, sub base etc

[broken biscuit]

Our garden is to be turfed - approx area 20m2, in a funny shap. For the last 4 yrs it has been gravel over a membrane. today i have removed the membrane - the soil is heavily compacted down. I am now wondering whether to dig it over, or to get a tonne of topsoil to spread on top. Then i need to sort out some turf. Anyone know if i could lay it next week, or should i wait a few more weeks until the weather gets better? I know it will need watering regularly - my thoughts were with the current weather, i would have less watering to do, whilst it knits.

lternatively, I am considering a fake lawn. Only drawback is the price at the moment - I cant seem to get it for under £20 a m2, which kind of puts it out of price range, as i would need to buy 24m2 to fit our lawn. Any recommendations please? Postcode is PE if that helps.

[matts4]

Just had 30msq laid last week, north Norfolk for 180 quid. Should take nicely in the next 4 weeks as the weather starts to prove. (typically no rain forecast this week so will have to get the hose out!)

[kentmotorcompany]

You could seed it, cheaper, easier to do initially, but a bit more work to do afterwards.

I wouldn't buy any more soil unless you need to raise the level, in which case a ton will make next to no difference when spread out over 20 sq m.

I would turn it over, and tread it all back down again, rake it to get as good level as you can. Get the turf on as soon as you can. It will give more time before the hot weather comes, and dries them out. You are also less likely to be out using the garden for while yet. Get plenty of water after laying then in this mild weather just water after a few dry days.

Once its down for few warmish days,(grass grows above 6/7 degrees) you can test if its starting to take by lifting a corner of a turf. If you see little white roots, they are fresh new growth, after a while the new roots will pull some soil up with it, and a while longer and you wont be able to to pull it up.

Cut it as regular as you can. Little and often is good, cutting lots off with long spells between cuts is bad.

Edited by kentmotorcompany on Monday 7th March 19:21

[broken biscuit]

Wont be seeding it - new pup (fingers crossed) due this week, so want it down in some form asap. Been quoted 3.50/m2 delivered, plus topsoil for subbase. Hopefully it will be arriving and going down early next week, if weather suits and gardener can commit.