From sleek backyards to sprawling sports fields, there’s a lot riding on the success of a new lawn. But long before the turf rolls out, preparation is everything. In this issue, we walk you through the expert-approved steps that ensure your turf not only looks great on day one—but thrives well beyond the first mow.

Installing a new lawn is a rewarding project, but its success relies heavily on thorough preparation. This comprehensive guide outlines eight (8) key steps involved in turf installation, from measuring your lawn area and preparing the soil properly to laying turf correctly and ensuring proper aftercare. We provide expert tips for homeowners, landscape professionals, and anyone managing outdoor spaces, ensuring long-lasting turf establishment and a lush green finish. Are you ready? Let’s begin!

Why Lawn Preparation Matters

Preparing for turf installation goes far beyond simply unrolling some turf pieces. It involves careful planning, attention to soil quality, and strategic timing. Without proper groundwork, your new turf might fail to root, become patchy, or struggle through the establishment phase. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your new lawn thrives right from the start.

Step 1: Measure Your Lawn Area Accurately

Start by measuring the entire area you plan to cover with turf. Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width. Multiply these to get your total square metre area. For irregular spaces, divide the yard into measurable sections like rectangles or triangles, then sum the totals.

Pro Tip:

Add an extra 5% to your order to account for cutting around garden edges, obstacles, and slight miscalculations. This avoids delays if you run short of turf pieces.

Step 2: Clear the Area of Existing Grass and Debris

Before laying any new turf, remove all existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris. A clean, bare surface is essential for ensuring good contact between the soil and turf.

Tools & Tips:

Use a turf cutter or spade to lift existing grass.
For large yards, hiring a turf cutter may save time.
Apply a broad-spectrum weed killer to prevent regrowth. Wait 10–14 days before proceeding to ensure weeds are fully dead.

This step creates a blank slate for your new turf and helps prevent old weeds or grasses from disrupting the new lawn.

Step 3: Grade the Soil for Proper Drainage

Next, level and grade your lawn area. Your soil should have a slight slope—about 1–2% away from buildings or hardscapes—to promote drainage and avoid pooling.

How to Grade Effectively:

Use a rake to smooth high spots and fill in low areas.
A string line or level can help ensure an even slope.
For compacted ground, use a rotary hoe or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of at least 10cm.

Avoid rushing this step. Proper grading ensures water moves correctly and promotes strong turf root development.

Step 4: Improve the Soil Properly Before Turf Installation

Healthy lawns begin with healthy soil. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, water retention, and nutrient content. This is also the ideal time to apply a lawn-specific starter fertiliser.

Checklist for Soil Preparation:

Add organic matter across the entire area.
Rake in the amendments to a depth of 5–10cm.
Apply starter fertiliser evenly.

A quality soil base reduces stress on your new turf and improves overall turf health during the establishment phase.

Step 5: Plan for Turf Delivery and Installation Timing

Order your turf for delivery on the day you plan to install. Turf is a living product—it must be laid as soon as possible after delivery to avoid drying out.

Tips Before Delivery:

Have your prepared area ready to go.
Check access points for delivery vehicles.
Keep turf in the shade and start laying immediately.

Step 6: Lay New Turf with Precision

Now comes the rewarding part—laying the turf. Begin at a straight edge like a driveway or garden border, and lay turf pieces in a brickwork pattern to stagger seams and avoid gaps.

Step-by-Step Turf Installation:

Start at a straight edge and work across the yard.
Press turf pieces tightly together to ensure good contact and prevent drying.
Avoid gaps and overlaps.
Use a sharp knife to cut around obstacles, curves, and garden edges.
Lay turf across slopes, not down them, to reduce erosion.
Lightly water turf as you go to keep it moist during installation.

Using this technique ensures better rooting and helps your new lawn knit together more quickly.

Step 7: Roll and Water New Lawn Immediately After Installation

Once all turf is laid, use a lawn roller to press the turf down. This helps eliminate air pockets and improves soil-to-turf contact, encouraging root establishment.

Watering Guidelines:

Water deeply within 30 minutes of installation.
Ensure the entire area is soaked to at least 6cm depth.
Continue to water deeply each day for the first 10–14 days, then reduce frequency gradually.

Too little water during the establishment phase can cause the turf to shrink, dry out, or die. Make sure your lawn is receiving enough water, particularly during warm or windy conditions.

Step 8: Mowing and Ongoing Maintenance

Hold off on your first mow until your turf has rooted firmly—typically around 2–3 weeks after installation. Gently tug on the turf. If it resists, it’s ready.

First Mow Tips:

Raise your mower blades to avoid scalping.
Never remove more than one-third of the grass height.
Use a catcher to prevent clippings from smothering the young lawn.

Continue applying fertiliser every 6–8 weeks and monitor the turf for signs of stress. Shade areas may require more water or shade-tolerant turf varieties like Sir Walter.

Turf Varieties: Lay Turf that Suits Your Yard

Choosing the right turf variety is just as important as preparing the soil. Some perform better in shaded yards, while others handle high foot traffic or extreme heat. We are happy to talk through the different options available to suit your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I lay turf any time of year? While you can lay turf year-round in many parts of Australia, spring and early autumn are ideal due to milder temperatures and reduced stress on the grass.

How soon should I water after I lay turf? Water deeply immediately after installation. Don’t wait longer than 30 minutes, especially in hot or dry weather.

How do I know if my soil is good enough for turf? Quality soil should be loose, free of debris, and rich in organic matter. If unsure, mix in compost and starter fertiliser before laying turf.

Do I need to remove all the existing grass before installing new turf? Leaving existing grass can lead to uneven surfaces and poor turf establishment.

What happens if I don’t water enough? Insufficient water will prevent the turf from establishing. During the first two weeks, you must water deeply and consistently to keep the roots moist.

Final Thoughts: Lay the Foundation for a Thriving Lawn

Proper preparation before turf installation is not just important—it’s essential. By measuring accurately, removing existing grass, preparing the soil properly, and laying turf with care, you create the best environment for your new lawn to grow strong, resilient, and green. If you’re ever worried or not sure how to go about the process, you can always call us to discuss all of your turf installation needs!

Don’t forget: invest time in the establishment phase, water deeply and regularly, and fertilise with the right nutrients. With these steps, you’ll enjoy a beautiful lawn that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.