When establishing a new lawn or sports field, choosing between turf laying and turf sprigging is a critical decision that balances immediate results with long-term investment. Turf laying, often referred to as sodding, provides instant gratification, transforming a barren space into a lush, green lawn overnight. While this method offers immediate aesthetic appeal and functionality, it comes at a higher cost.Â
Conversely, turf sprigging involves planting stolons and rhizomes, offering a significantly more cost-effective solution. However, this approach requires patience; while sprigging provides coverage in a matter of weeks, it can take months for the turf to fully establish and mature.
We provide both turf laying and sprigging services, working with educational facilities, local councils and commercial clients to find the best turf depending on budget and the desired results.Â
Our Turf Sprigging Services
Turf sprigging is a cost-effective alternative to turf laying, particularly effective for sports field renovations or cricket wicket reconstructions. We process a roll of turf through a sprigging machine, breaking down each leaf of the plant into a tiny leaf of grass. This is rolled into the sports field surface and grows faster than traditional seed.
We can also help with ongoing sports turf maintenance, including turf spraying. Our team is happy to assess your surface and recommend the best products and services to improve your turf. We can also provide pH testing to ensure the correct pH balance in your soil to complement your chosen turf. We do this as well as laser levelling, turf oversowing and other turf management.
The Process of Turf Sprigging
 The process of turf sprigging typically involves the following steps:Â
- Site preparation: The area intended for sprigging is carefully prepared by tilling the soil to create a loose, aerated bed. This helps ensure good soil-to-sprig contact and promotes successful establishment.
- Sprig preparation: Sprigs are harvested from healthy donor turf using specialised equipment, ensuring that they contain viable nodes for root and shoot development. Depending on the turf species and equipment used, sprigs may vary in length and thickness.
- Planting: Sprigs are evenly distributed across the prepared site, typically by hand or using mechanical equipment. They are pressed or lightly buried into the soil to establish contact with the soil surface and promote root penetration.
- Watering and maintenance: Adequate irrigation is essential for the successful establishment of sprigs. Frequent, light watering helps keep the soil moist and encourages root growth. Regular maintenance tasks such as mowing and fertilisation may also be necessary to support healthy turf development.
What are the Advantages of Turf Sprigging?
- Rapid establishment: Sprigs can quickly take root and establish new turf, especially under optimal growing conditions.
- Cost-effectiveness: Turf sprigging can be more cost-effective than other establishment methods such as sodding or hydroseeding, particularly for large areas.
- Genetic purity: Since sprigs are taken directly from healthy donor turf, they maintain the genetic characteristics of the parent grass, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the established turf.
What are Some Great Turf Breed Options?
Santa Ana
Santa Ana instant turf is a great all-rounder. It has a fine leaf, is hard-wearing and drought tolerant, making it perfect for a wide variety of applications from professional-grade sports to commercial lawns. Low-maintenance with excellent self-repairing abilities, it is ideal for high-traffic areas and sporting fields.
Kikuyu
As one of the most drought-tolerant turfs available, Kikuyu is a popular choice for commercial lawn installations and sporting grounds. This hard-wearing, warm-season turf has high self-repair qualities and doesn’t require as much maintenance as other varieties, making it the first choice of many councils and sporting clubs.
We can provide both washed and unwashed turf, depending on the soil needs and budget for each turf laying project. We have a selection of high-quality turfing options to choose from.
