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New Build Turf Advice (Garden is currently a mess)
lawrenceashOkzh9rR_
Posts: 3
Hi, my first post here! 
I moved into a new build home back in late February and as part of the 'deal' we got rear lawn turfing included in the sale. Unfortunately due to COVID, the builders left site, came back and the turf still hasn't been done but it's on the to do list. Our garden meanwhile is a jungle of weeds, some well above knee height!
The builder claims they will 'spray' to kill weeds before rotavating/laying turf but surely that's under normal circumstances and the jungle outside definitely isn't normal. I've also read that rotavating with weeds present at all is a very bad idea so I don't have any confidence....
I am thinking of taking matters into my own hands and removing all of the weeds myself with a trimmer and getting family to help dig them up. After this I am thinking of placing a tarpaulin across the whole garden before the builder decides to rotavate and lay the turf.
Is this a good idea? As summer is coming to a close I'm not bothered about doing it fast but rather doing it properly. Any advice or other ideas would be brilliant.
I moved into a new build home back in late February and as part of the 'deal' we got rear lawn turfing included in the sale. Unfortunately due to COVID, the builders left site, came back and the turf still hasn't been done but it's on the to do list. Our garden meanwhile is a jungle of weeds, some well above knee height!
The builder claims they will 'spray' to kill weeds before rotavating/laying turf but surely that's under normal circumstances and the jungle outside definitely isn't normal. I've also read that rotavating with weeds present at all is a very bad idea so I don't have any confidence....
I am thinking of taking matters into my own hands and removing all of the weeds myself with a trimmer and getting family to help dig them up. After this I am thinking of placing a tarpaulin across the whole garden before the builder decides to rotavate and lay the turf.
Is this a good idea? As summer is coming to a close I'm not bothered about doing it fast but rather doing it properly. Any advice or other ideas would be brilliant.
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Posts
As the owner of a new build (albeit over 30 years ago), l would say if you have the time and inclination to clear the plot yourself, then go for it.
That way you will know that the site has been properly and thoroughly cleared and prepared. Personally l wouldn't bother with covering with tarpaulin, if the ground is uncovered, you can keep an eye on any rogue weeds popping through. Autumn is generally considered a good time for turf laying. Has your builder given you any idea of a timescale at all ?
We lifted the turf, gathered up as many stones as we could and used them in the greenhouse base.
Even now l still come across the odd one or two in the flower beds !
As in all things, preparation is the key, and generally speaking builders don't have the time and money to really do that.
The builder is planning on organising everything in September, they have a big backlog apparently although I sometimes struggle to believe anything they say!