Birds digging up new turf

Hi Gardeners, how do I deal with birds that have dug up lumps of new turf, Its a new build property and I won't move in for another 9 weeks. Looks like the turf was laid a couple of months ago, turf has taken to soil but it looks like that birds started ripping up sods of turf before it had taken to the soil. Between 12 - 16 patches.

Would like to replace it now so that when we move in it looks good.

What is the best way to go about stopping birds tearing up the replacement turf?

 

It sounds like the birds are ripping up the turf to get to food, which I'm assuming might be some sort of grubs like leather jackets? If that is the case, the problem needs sorting first or the birds will just keep on ripping up the turf.

 

Netting will keep off birds try and get it 3 to 6 inches above the grass, old cds on string will also keep the birds off, you can get nematodes to deal with the leatherjackets.
Could be worse I've badgers digging for grubs in my grass.

 

The 'divots' left strewn around after rook damage likely to be entire grass plants, which if replaced(green side up !) and firmed in with a board (odd scaffold plank required so that you can travel across without damage/footprints) will easily grow if not upended for too long. You may find turfing activity on the newer houses, from which you may find/gather any bits of turf that are needed to complete.

 

Or foxes, they tend to dig shallow holes looking for worms.

 

Thanks for all your reply's, it's appreciated, I will look into getting netting put over areas that are needing replaced.
Will look on amazon unless someone knows a better place to purchase.