How to level and revive turf?

[yehtet1310]

Hi, I’ve just laid new couch turf, but the surface is a bit uneven and some patches are struggling. Some part might even be dead. May i know what should i do onward? And also 

I’d like a topdressing mix or lawn leveling soil that’s suitable for couch grass. What do you recommend?”

Thank you!!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @yehtet1310. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about reviving turf.

I'm sorry, but it looks like the vast majority of the turf has unfortunately failed, with only a very small portion that could potentially be revived. Before considering how to level or topdress, it’s important to understand why the transplant hasn’t established. From the look of the grass, it appears the issue may have been too much water rather than too little, as new turf can rot if it receives a continuous, heavy amount of water. It’s also possible that the grass initially suffered from insufficient watering and then later became overwatered, causing the dead areas to start rotting.

It would help to know when you received the turf: was it all bright green and healthy, or were there already yellowed sections? Turf should generally arrive in perfect condition, with no yellowing at all. Also, can you share a little about your watering routine and how wet the area has been since laying the turf? This will help determine the cause of the failure.

Given the extent of the damage, I wouldn’t recommend trying to revive the current lawn, as most of it appears completely dead. Moving forward, once the area is cleared, you can prepare the base again and lay fresh turf. For topdressing or levelling for couch grass, a mix of coarse sand blended with good-quality soil or screened topsoil works well, as it helps level the surface, improves drainage, and encourages healthy root growth.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[yehtet1310]

Hi Mitchell,

Thank you for your response. I received this turf from my neighbour. Just laid a few days ago. It was already yellow when I received. Is it better if i remove them completely and start a new fresh lawn?

Ye

[MitchellMc]

From the looks of it, I would say that it's not worth trying to revive it, @yehtet1310. You might get 10% to start growing again, but that's not enough to establish a lawn. I would pull it out and lay fresh turf. 

By the time turf has turned yellow, it typically means that it is very hard to keep alive and get it to take root and grow.

Here's a helpful guide: How to lay turf.

Mitchell