re-turf job- which way?

I have been asked to re-furf for a client. His current lawn is bare in a few places and is quite undulating.

I have turfed other properties previously from new, but which way do I go with this.

Should I kill the existing turf off with a glyphosate product and then rotovate, or should I lift the old turf with a turf cutter.

I did think to just lift with a turf cutter, the client has access for a skip for the waste, then bring in some fresh top soil from the turf supplier. I had the idea of bringing in around 3 tonnes in 1 tonne bags for the area size that i am working with. The access is not to bad and I would get this quite close to the work area.

I guess I just think by doing this I can bring his turf back up to a level area and he has a fresh injection of a quality topsoil, I also don't like the idea of using herbicide.

Has anyone any experience of using a turf cutter, I'm going to hire one in. Having said that Its paperwork morning and I'm listening and watching with interest as a neighbour has some paving put in where the guy is cutting turf and he's pushing like mad as the rear wheels spin!!

Hi Mark,

I think its all about budget and quality of finish. Also depends how big it is. I always strip with a turf cutter unless really small. Not tricky to use. Couple of passes and you'll have worked it out. Wheels only spin if the blade hasn't dug into the turf. Once it digs in you'll be glad you didn't do it by hand. You of course have to get rid of the sods which you wouldn't if you did Glysophate and rotorvating, therefore added waste cost. But you wouldn't get a decent tilth with decaying clods of old turf anyway.

If you want to add top soil then go for something that up here in cheshire they market as 'Root Zone'. This is a 50/50 split of sand and screened top soil and you can then level your lawn by screeding a long piece of wood over it. It won;t get rid of massive undulations or crowns in the lawn (Old Trafford has a massive crown) but it sorts the mini-peaks and troughs out, saving endless raking.

Cheers

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  - PRO
    
    Gary RK September 14, 2015 at 6:15pm
    
    Crumbs...thought it unusual to personally know each weed ;)
Neil Copeland September 14, 2015 at 5:56pm

Hi Mark,

I think its all about budget and quality of finish. Also depends how big it is. I always strip with a turf cutter unless really small. Not tricky to use. Couple of passes and you'll have worked it out. Wheels only spin if the blade hasn't dug into the turf. Once it digs in you'll be glad you didn't do it by hand. You of course have to get rid of the sods which you wouldn't if you did Glysophate and rotorvating, therefore added waste cost. But you wouldn't get a decent tilth with decaying clods of old turf anyway.

If you want to add top soil then go for something that up here in cheshire they market as 'Root Zone'. This is a 50/50 split of sand and screened top soil and you can then level your lawn by screeding a long piece of wood over it. It won;t get rid of massive undulations or crowns in the lawn (Old Trafford has a massive crown) but it sorts the mini-peaks and troughs out, saving endless raking.

Cheers
PRO

Richard Gadsby September 14, 2015 at 5:58pm

I used a turf cutter I hired in once-- never again it would be quicker with a turf spade which I bought to finish the job!!! Waste of time but it may have been a rubbish one!! I think I would probably kill it put fresh topsoil on to level it and then either seed or turf it depends how quick they want it looking nice.
However I would not even take the job as I hate turf jobs now for me and my time constraints I don't have the time anymore
Craig Flatters September 19, 2015 at 9:30am

Hire a turf cutter- a good one. You can take up a very large area in no time. It also leaves a nice even finish.
Ben Adams October 12, 2015 at 12:25pm

If it's a big job, definitely use a turf cutter & if you're familiar with them make sure that it's a good one.

I'd like to know if you've made a go at it and what the topsoil is like underneath? Buying in bulk is always best but if the topsoil is good then there may not be any need to get new one.
- mark jenkinson > Ben Adams October 13, 2015 at 3:26pm
  
  Hi Ben,
  
  I gave the quote to the client and have heard no more at this stage.There were several areas that had old turf worn down to the soil and other areas that were extremely uneven, hence the need for the topsoil. The client did have a couple of old tree's that had been removed to 1 metre stumps and this may have been the cause of the grass looking poor. He was adamant that he wanted it re-turfed.
  
  The turf cutter was going to be on hire and was a garden master, as thats all I could get locally. However times passing by and I think that the client has lost is appetite for the job, maybe I was to expensive?
  - Mitchel ingham > mark jenkinson October 13, 2015 at 5:03pm
    
    Have you tried ringing him?
    - mark jenkinson > Mitchel ingham October 13, 2015 at 6:57pm
      
      It's slightly sensitive as its a relation of a relation, and I don't want to push him, he's a good guy but has other house projects going on , I found this out today, so maybe my work is last on his to do list?. I don't have his number but know where he lives, but don't want to front up on the doorstep and seem pushy.
      - Ben Adams > mark jenkinson October 14, 2015 at 10:50am
        
        I'd push him if it was me, it's still your business and your time he's wasting by not getting back in touch. I wouldn't turn up on his door but just politely push.
        
        Mitchel ingham > Ben Adams October 14, 2015 at 11:14am
        
        I usually try to drop a follow up email but I'm starting to think I might just call because I want feedback as to why I've lost jobs. Rather than an ignored follow up email to customer meaning I've not got the job