Prepping for your new lawn

Preparing, Laying, and Caring for Your New Turf

Installing new turf is one of the quickest ways to transform your yard, but success depends on how well you prepare the ground before rolling out the grass. A little extra effort in the beginning will give you a lush, healthy lawn that thrives for years to come.

1. Soil Preparation

• Clear the area: Remove weeds, old grass, stones, and debris. A clean base is essential for the turf to establish evenly.

• Improve the soil: Loosen compacted ground by rotary hoeing or turning over the top 100–150mm of soil. Mix in organic matter such as compost to improve structure and drainage. If preferred or easier, add a decent layer of (100mm) of loamy soil to your ground. This can also help with evening out holes or bumps in your land.

• Level and grade: Smooth out the surface so water doesn’t pool. A slight slope away from buildings helps with drainage.

2. Laying the Turf

• Start along a straight edge: Lay your first roll along a driveway, path, or fence line. Work across the area, staggering the joins like brickwork.

• Avoid gaps: Butt edges closely together, but don’t overlap. Press seams down to prevent drying out.

• Cut to fit: Use a sharp knife or spade to trim around edges, garden beds, or curved areas.

3. Watering and Care

• Immediate watering: As soon as each section is laid, water thoroughly so the soil is damp to a depth of at least 100mm.

• First two weeks: Keep the turf and soil moist at all times. Daily watering (twice daily in hot weather) is often needed.

• After establishment: Once roots take hold (usually 2–3 weeks), reduce watering to deeper, less frequent sessions to encourage stronger root growth.

Extra Tips

• Apply a lawn starter fertiliser during preparation to help root development.

• Avoid walking on the turf for the first couple of weeks.

• Mow only when the grass is firmly rooted and has grown about 50mm, trimming no more than one-third of the leaf height.

With the right preparation, laying technique, and early care, your new turf will establish quickly and deliver a vibrant, durable lawn.