Can I lay turf without topsoil?

docmatt

I'm in the process of changing around my garden. All the shrubs in the middle have been located to the sides so now i'm going to rotovate the whole thing, level it nice and flat then turf the damn lot.

If I spent time raking all the large stones away and getting the base as smooth and flat as possible, could I get away without using topsoil before I turf?

The reason I ask is the garden is big 40m long by 20m wide and since building an extension, it's gonna take years barrowing top soil around the tight squeeze down the side of the house.

The soil quality is in excellent condition by the way.

Thanks in advance

mrbadexample

docmatt wrote: »

The soil quality is in excellent condition by the way.

Errm..it sounds like you already have topsoil? :huh:

docmatt

mrbadexample wrote: »

Errm..it sounds like you already have topsoil? :huh:

Erm well yeah I suppose so, lol

I just assumed you needed topsoil because its completely smooth with no stones or bits whatsoever.

I guess i'll just keep raking it till its smooth and stone free enough to lay the turf

tanith

It'll be fine as long as you get it flat and a few small stones won't hurt either unless you want a 'bowling green' quality lawn . Make sure its well watered before and after laying.. use a scaffold board or similar to walk on as you lay the turf so you don't compact the soil again.. although it should be quite firmly tamped down before turfing just not compacted

docmatt

:cool:Cool, thanks for the advice

mrbadexample

docmatt wrote: »

Erm well yeah I suppose so, lol

I just assumed you needed topsoil because its completely smooth with no stones or bits whatsoever.

I guess i'll just keep raking it till its smooth and stone free enough to lay the turf

That sounds like the least expensive opion. :money:If you want it that nice, can you borrow a riddle and sieve out any nasty bits?