FAQ's: tuf turfology 101
What should I know about turf?
Turf is a perishable product and fresh cut to order. Tufturf is only cut in the early morning to ensure maximum quality. This is the best method of harvesting turf because it will not contain “field heat”. Field heat will dramatically reduce the ability of the turf to take root and grow into a healthy lawn.
Who is tufturf and what makes it the best turf on Vancouver Island?
Since 1946, the Lim Family has been known for growing top-quality produce for retail and wholesale outlets throughout Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula as well as for operating two farm-fresh produce markets.
In 1990, Terry Lim began growing turf for local golf courses, hotels and residential neighbourhoods in Greater Victoria.
As the founder of tufturf, Terry Lim, has spent the last 18 years developing a specially formulated recipe of seed blends, fertilizers, harvesting methods and farming practices that produce a premium quality turf specially formulated for optimal results for Vancouver Island.
Today, still operating from their original Blenkinsop Valley location, the Farm now produces premium turf grass for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
For over 60 years the farm has remained family-owned and operated and still offers the same top quality products and friendly service that it did when it started.
tufturf’s Mission Statement:
tufturf is dedicated to providing the highest quality turf and soil products while providing exceptional customer service.
About our tufturf
We grow a Premium Blend of Perennial Rye Grass, Fine Fescues, and Kentucky Bluegrass specially formulated for optimal results for Vancouver Island.
Ryegrass:
Ryegrass should not be confused with Rye, which is a grain crop. The primary species found worldwide and utilized for both lawns and as a forage crop is perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).
Fine Fecues:
The fescues contain some species which are important grasses for both lawns (particularly the fine-leaved species, highly valued for bowling greens)
Kentucky Bluegrass:
Kentucky Bluegrass has green leaves, derives its name from the seed heads which are blue when the plant is allowed to grow to its natural height of two to three feet. Kentucky bluegrass is the most extensively used cool-season grass used in lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in North America.
How many types of Turf do you sell?
Our competitors offer many different types of turf for sale which they claim has different capabilities.
At tufturf we only sell one type of Premium Turf Grass specially formulated for optimal results for Vancouver Island.
Where does your tufturf come from?
tufturf is grown on our Vancouver Island and Sumas Prairie Farms (located near Abbotsford) and grown using our specially formulated seed mixture, fertilizers, and farming practices.
The tufturf guarantee:
We guarantee that the turf that we sell is freshly harvested, free of weeds and disease. We highly recommend that you follow the detailed site prep, installation advice and suggested product use to achieve optimal results.
How much is tufturf?
Price depends on the size of the area that you want to cover. Cost is determined by the total square footage. All turf prices quoted are based on the dimensions that you (the customer) gave us.
How soon can I get my turf?
We are currently booking turf orders 5 days in advance. All orders must be booked in and prepaid within 5 days before the scheduled pickup or delivery.
72 Hours minimum cancellation notice is strictly enforced.
Can you come out and measure it for me?
We can only give you a price based on the dimensions that you the customer provides us with.
How do I measure my yard?
Measure the area that you intend to cover using a tape measure. Please do not pace it out. Exact measurements will give you the correct amount of turf needed to cover the area that you have indicated.
Can I as a homeowner install turf?
If you can understand "Green Side Up," you can successfully install turf.
Is turf difficult to lay?
No, it is very straight forward. We do provide an informative brochure about laying turf which can also be printed off our website.
What will I need to do it myself?
You will need 4 to 6 inches ( One cubic Yard per 100 sq ft) of tufturf Sandy Lawn Mix. This mixture will ensure proper drainage and enable the turf to grab root of a healthy foundation designed to give you a low maintenance top quality lawn.
How should I prepare the site for laying turf?
We have an excellent brochure with instructions on preparing the site. This can be downloaded from our website or we will happily mail one out for you.
What else will I need?
You will need to purchase tufturf starter with your turf order. tufturf starter is a specially formulated fertilizer that will ensure proper root growth and health of the new lawn. For every 500 sq ft that you need to cover with turf you will need 3 kg of tufturf starter. All customers that do not wish to purchase the tufturf starter must sign the waiver declining the use of tufturf starter.
What size are the rolls of turf?
The sizes of the rolls will change depending on which machine is used to harvest the turf. Most commonly we will have the 2ft by 5ft rolls.
Important steps to ensure the health of your new tufturf lawn:
- 1. Do not leave turf rolled up on the pallet too long - be prepared for the delivery and lay the turf on that same day.
- 2. Ensure that you lay your new tuturf on a properly prepared surface as specified in our brochure.
- 3. Do not let the grass grow too long before mowing it and remove grass clippings. Only take a 1/3 of the blade at any given time.
- 4. Ensure that you do not overwater your established lawn. One inch once a week.
What is the best time of year to install new turf?
Turf can be laid all year round, in summer you do need to ensure that you keep the newly installed turf watered regularly.
How soon can you deliver?
Delivery can be scheduled upon booking your order.
Can your driver deliver the turf to the back garden?
All turf deliveries are curb side but if he can get it up the drive for you he will.
How long after the turf has been laid can I mow the lawn?
During the growing season the turf can root down within a week. If you lift a corner of the turf and it is adhering to the soil then you can give it first cut, set your mower to the highest setting and gradually reduce to the desired height with subsequent mowings. Remember that long grass is happy grass!
How long after laying the turf can it be walked on?
You should wait until the turf is well rooted, usually 2 - 3 weeks. Of course you can go on to mow the lawn Just keep the dogs and kids off it for the first few weeks.
How often do I have to fertilize the lawn?
You should feed the lawn every 6- 8 weeks throughout the growing season. We have everything that you will need. At minimum you should feed the lawn three times a year. Early spring, early summer and late fall.
Do you have a turf that is easy maintenance?
Yes, tufturf has been formulated and engineered for easy maintenance.
How thick is the turf?
Allow one inch for the thickness of the turf.
Is delivery included in the turf price?
Our turf is competitively priced. Delivery is additional cost depending on the quantity and area for delivery.
Do you lay turf?
No, our expertise lies in production of high quality turf. We are happy to refer you to a good installation company in your area.
Turf Installation Tools and maintenance products:
We sell everything that you will need to install your tufturf lawn including:
- Gloves
- Knives
- Shovels
- Spreaders
- Sprinklers, nozzles etc.
We have Rentals: Lawn Rollers and Fertilizer Spreaders and rakes
We sell everything that you will need to maintain your tufturf lawn including:
Specially formulated by tufturf:
- Seed Mixtures
- Fertilizer
- Blended Soils
- Bark Mulch
- tufturf Marine Mulch
- USGA Top Dressing Mix
- Compost
- Sand & Gravel
