How to prepare for laying turf

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Getting your lawn area ready before laying turf is key to a lush, long-lasting lawn you’ll love. A little prep work goes a long way in avoiding issues like poor drainage, compacted soil, and uneven surfaces that can impact your turf’s health. Creating a strong foundation gives your turf the best chance to grow deep roots and settle in quickly. With these simple steps, your lawn will stay green, healthy, and beautiful for years.

How should you prepare the area before laying turf?

When it comes to preparing your garden before laying turf, we recommend doing the following: 

Clear the area

Start by removing any old grass, weeds, and debris. Use a spade or garden hoe for smaller areas or a rotary hoe for larger spaces. Clearing the area thoroughly prevents weeds and existing grass from competing with your new turf. If you’re dealing with stubborn weeds, consider applying a non-residual herbicide a few weeks before installation.

Address drainage issues

Good drainage is critical for healthy turf. Check for areas prone to pooling water and fix them by grading the soil or incorporating sand or organic matter into the mix. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and patchy growth. Install drainage pipes or channels to direct water away from the lawn if necessary.

Gather tools and materials

Ensure you have everything you need for adequate preparation. Essential tools include a rake, lawn roller, wheelbarrow, and spade. Don’t forget the turf underlay, which helps create a level surface and promotes even growth. A soil pH test kit can also ensure optimal growing conditions.

With the proper preparation, you’re setting the stage for a lush, long-lasting lawn. For premium turf and expert advice, trust Lilydale Instant Lawn to help you achieve a flawless finish.

What are the steps to prepare the soil for turf installation?

Preparing soil properly is critical to ensuring your turf takes root and thrives. It’s not just about laying turf; it’s about giving it the proper foundation for long-term health. Here’s how to prepare soil for turf installation:

Test the soil’s pH level

Start by checking the soil's pH level using a simple test kit from your local garden supplier. Turf prefers a pH range of 6 to 7. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, amend it with lime or sulphur to create the ideal conditions for growth. This small step makes a big difference in how well your turf establishes.

Add organic matter and amendments

Mix in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Add a soil blend that includes loam for sandy soil to improve water retention. If you’re dealing with clay soil, consider gypsum to enhance drainage. This ensures the turf roots have access to both water and nutrients.

Level and aerate the soil

Use a rotary hoe to break up compacted soil, then level it with a rake to create a smooth surface. Aerating the soil promotes oxygen flow and helps roots establish quickly. Aim for an even surface, free of dips, as this prevents water pooling. Finally, lightly compact the soil using a lawn roller to create a firm base for the turf rolls.

Proper soil preparation is the foundation of a beautiful, long-lasting lawn.

How do you prepare land specifically for growing grass?

Preparing your land correctly ensures healthy grass growth and a stunning lawn. This process involves more than surface preparation—it’s about creating a solid foundation for your turf. Here’s how to do it:

Remove compacted soil layers

Compacted soil prevents roots from penetrating deeply, which can hinder the growth of your turf. Use a rotary hoe or garden fork to break up the compacted layers and improve soil aeration. This allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the root system of your freshly laid turf, giving it the best chance to thrive.

Establish a gentle slope

A slight slope is vital for water runoff, preventing puddles and poor soil drainage. Use a level and rake to create a smooth, even surface with a slight incline, directing excess water away from structures. This step is crucial in areas prone to heavy rain or clay-heavy soil.

Evident tree roots and rocks

Tree roots and large rocks obstruct turf growth and complicate lawn maintenance. Remove these obstacles to create an even and clean soil surface. If tree roots are extensive, consult a professional to avoid harming the trees while preparing your land.

Following these steps will create the perfect foundation for your new lawn.

What is turf underlay, and why is it important?

Turf underlay is a specially prepared soil mix designed to create the perfect foundation for freshly laid turf. It’s not just ordinary soil—this mix is carefully balanced to support healthy grass growth by providing essential nutrients, proper drainage, and a stable base for root establishment.

Why use turf underlay?

Turf underlay is essential for promoting root health and ensuring the long-term durability of grass. Here are its key benefits:

• Composed of sandy loam, organic material, and other additives to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
• Prevents poor soil drainage issues often found in compacted or clay-heavy soils.
• Allows air pockets and water to flow efficiently, enabling deep root penetration and quick establishment.
• Ensures turf remains lush and healthy, even in challenging weather conditions.
• Helps freshly laid turf establish faster with fewer issues during its critical growth phase.

With turf underlay, you provide the ideal foundation for a healthy, durable lawn.

How does it compare to regular soil?

Regular soil often has uneven textures, inconsistent nutrients, or compaction issues, making it less effective for turf installation. In contrast, turf underlay is explicitly formulated for laying instant turf and ensures your new lawn receives the support it needs to thrive.

We recommend using turf underlay to prepare your garden for our premium turf varieties. Pairing our expertly prepared underlay with high-quality turf guarantees a lush, long-lasting lawn you can enjoy for years.

How thick should the turf underlay be for optimal results?

For the best results when laying fresh turf, the recommended thickness of the turf underlay is between 50 and 100mm. This depth provides enough room for grassroots to establish themselves while ensuring proper drainage and nutrient availability. A well-prepared underlay sets the foundation for a lush, healthy lawn that thrives long-term.

Balancing thickness with soil quality

The exact thickness of your turf underlay may vary based on the condition of your existing soil. For soils with poor drainage, like heavy clay, a thicker layer of sandy loam underlay can help prevent waterlogging and improve air circulation. On the other hand, sandy soils may only need 50mm to ensure water retention without excessive drainage.

Spreading and compacting the underlay

To prepare your lawn area, spread the turf underlay evenly across the surface. Use a rake to level it out and fill any low spots to create a smooth and even finish. Compact the underlay gently with a lawn roller to eliminate air pockets and ensure the turf sits flush against the soil. This step helps the grassroots penetrate profoundly and establish quickly.

Why it matters

A properly laid turf underlay improves the health and appearance of freshly laid turf and reduces issues like poor drainage, uneven growth, and dry patches. When paired with our premium Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo or other warm-season grasses, your lawn will thrive from day one.

Now you know how to prepare your lawn for turf that’ll thrive 

A beautiful, healthy lawn starts with thorough preparation. Properly clearing, levelling, and enriching the soil ensures that your turf has the best possible foundation to grow strong roots and maintain its lush appearance. From addressing poor soil drainage to choosing the ideal turf underlay, every step is vital in setting up your lawn for long-term success.

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for expert advice on establishing new lawns or premium turf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, we’ve got you covered. Our QWELTS slabs make installation easy and reliable, while our complimentary starter kit ensures your lawn gets off to the perfect start.

Ready to transform your yard? Contact Lilydale Instant Lawn for trusted guidance and top-quality turf tailored to your needs. With over 45 years of expertise, we’ll help you create a lawn you’ll love for years to come.

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