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8 Minute(s) read
Preparing the ground properly gives your new turf the best possible start. From assessing your existing soil to improving drainage and adding turf underlay, each step helps create the right foundation for healthy establishment. This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare the ground for turf so your soil is ready for installation day.
Measure your lawn area and order your new turf
Before you prepare the ground for turf, work out how many square metres of new turf you need. Accurate measurements help you order enough turf while avoiding unnecessary excess.
Start by measuring the length and width of your lawn area in metres, then multiply them. For irregular or curved areas, divide the yard into smaller sections and calculate each one separately.
You can also use our turf calculator to estimate the amount required for your space.
Once you know your lawn area, choose a turf variety suited to your site and how you plan to use it. Consider sunlight, shade, foot traffic and the level of lawn care you’re comfortable with.
Ordering your new turf early also gives you time to complete the soil preparation before delivery. Aim to have the site completely ready so you can lay turf as soon as possible after it arrives.
Assess the quality of your existing soil
Before adding new topsoil or turf underlay, take a close look at the soil already in your yard. Its type, condition and drainage will determine how much preparation is needed before laying your turf.
Good soil for new turf should allow water, air and nutrients to move through the root zone without becoming waterlogged or heavily compacted. Identifying any problems now gives you the chance to fix them before the new grass goes down.
Check soil type, compaction, drainage and pH
Start by checking your soil type, how easily water drains and whether the ground is compacted. A simple pH test will also help identify whether the soil needs adjusting before turf installation.
| What to check | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clay soil | Dense, sticky soil that can become hard when dry | Heavy clay can compact easily and may restrict drainage and root growth. |
| Sandy soil | Loose, gritty soil that drains quickly | Very sandy soil may struggle to retain enough water and nutrients. |
| Sandy loam | Crumbly soil that holds some moisture but drains freely | This generally provides a good balance of drainage, moisture and aeration for new turf. |
| Compaction | Ground that is difficult to dig with a garden fork | Compacted soil can restrict water, air and developing turf roots. |
| Drainage | Puddles, dips or surface water remaining after rain or irrigation | Poor drainage should be corrected so excess water can drain away from the lawn. |
| Soil pH | Test the soil using a pH testing kit | A pH test identifies whether the soil is too acidic or alkaline and needs adjustment. |
For new turf, a soil pH between 5.5 and 7. If your result falls outside this range, choose soil amendments based on the test results rather than automatically adding lime, gypsum, or other products.
Clear your soil of weeds and debris
Before you start working on the topsoil, clear the site completely. Existing lawn, weeds, vegetation and hard debris can interfere with soil preparation and make it harder to create an even base for your new turf.
Work across the entire area and:
- Remove the existing lawn and vegetation, including as much of the root material as possible.
- Rake through the soil several times from different directions to collect rocks, stones, sticks and other debris.
- Treat persistent weeds before installing turf. A suitable non-selective herbicide may be needed where weeds are difficult to remove manually.
- Allow enough time for weed treatment to work according to the product directions before disturbing the soil or continuing your prep.
- Check the area again for regrowth and remaining debris before moving on to soil preparation.
Starting with a clean site makes the next stages of levelling and soil preparation much easier.
Prepare the soil for turf installation
Once the site is clear, you can start preparing the soil for turf laying. The aim is to create a loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich base that gives new roots room to establish and grow.
Loosen and aerate compacted soil
Break up compacted soil to improve airflow, drainage and root development. For a small area, you can dig and turn the soil manually. For a larger landscape, a rotary hoe can make the job quicker and more consistent.
Work through the top layer thoroughly, breaking up large clumps as you go. Avoid leaving heavily compacted areas beneath the surface, as these can restrict root growth and affect how evenly water moves through the soil.
Improve drainage and establish a gentle slope
Next, check how water moves across the site. Fill obvious dips and level the soil with a rake, while maintaining a gentle slope away from buildings and other structures where appropriate.
The finished surface should be even rather than perfectly flat. A slight slope helps excess water drain away rather than collect beneath the turf.
Take surrounding paths, garden edging and other hard surfaces into account when setting the final height. You’ll need to allow for the thickness of the turf and the underlay to be added before installation.
Add organic matter and soil amendments
The amendments you need will depend on the soil conditions identified earlier. Organic matter can help improve soil structure, while sandy or clay-heavy sites may require additional preparation to create a suitable growing base.
If the existing soil is of poor quality or there is insufficient suitable topsoil, add new topsoil and work it into the prepared area. Spread the material evenly rather than leaving a thin layer over compacted ground.
Use your earlier soil and pH results to guide any other amendments. Avoid adding products as a standard step, as the best soil preparation will depend on your site's conditions.
Once amended, rake the area again to create a consistent surface ready for the turf underlay mix.
What is turf underlay, and why is it important?
Turf underlay is the top layer of prepared soil that sits directly beneath your new turf. A quality turf underlay mix creates an even growing base and helps support moisture retention, drainage and healthy root establishment.
Depending on the product, turf underlay may contain a blend of materials such as soil, sand and organic matter. Choose a suitable mix for your site and follow your supplier’s application recommendations.
How thick should the turf underlay be?
The amount of turf underlay you need will depend on your existing soil and the finished height of the lawn.
When setting your levels, allow for the thickness of the turf itself. As a general guide, keep your soil about 30–40mm below paths, driveways and other hard edges before laying your turf.
This allowance helps the finished lawn sit neatly against surrounding surfaces rather than finishing too high.
Spread, level and compact the underlay
Spread the turf underlay evenly across the prepared area, then use a rake to level the soil and remove any remaining high or low spots.
Work methodically across the site:
- Spread the underlay evenly to create a consistent growing layer.
- Rake out high spots and fill dips so the finished surface follows the required levels and slope.
- Firm the soil lightly to create a stable base without compacting it too much.
- Check the finished height against paths, edging and other hard surfaces, remembering to allow for the thickness of the turf.
- Make final adjustments before installation, as uneven areas will be harder to correct once the turf is laid.
The finished surface should be smooth, firm, and even, ensuring your new turf has consistent contact with the soil beneath.
Final steps before laying your new turf
With the soil prepared and levelled, there are a few final jobs to complete before your new turf arrives. Getting these right helps make installation easier and gives the turf a strong start.
Apply starter fertiliser and moisten the soil
Apply a suitable starter fertiliser to the prepared surface before laying your turf. Starter fertiliser provides nutrients that support early root development and help new turf establish quickly. At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we provide a complimentary starter fertiliser with every order.
Follow the product directions for application rates and spread the fertiliser evenly across the area.
Lightly water the prepared soil before installation so it is moist but not saturated. The surface should be firm enough to work on without becoming muddy or developing footprints and dips.
Schedule turf delivery for installation day
The best time to have your turf delivered is when the site is fully prepared and you’re ready to install it. Fresh turf should be laid promptly after delivery, rather than left to sit while you finish preparing the ground.
Before confirming delivery, make sure:
- The soil and turf underlay are prepared, levelled and ready;
- Your irrigation or watering equipment is ready to use;
- You have enough people and equipment available to complete the turf laying efficiently; and
- Access to the site is clear for delivery.
If you’re unsure about delivery timing or site access, speak with your turf supplier before installation day. Planning ahead means you can start laying your high-quality turf soon after it arrives and begin watering immediately.
Prepare your new turf with Lilydale Instant Lawn
Taking the time to prepare your ground properly gives your new turf a better foundation for healthy establishment. Once your soil is prepared, the next step is to choose a turf variety that suits your yard, lifestyle, and local conditions.
Lilydale Instant Lawn grows a range of Victorian-grown turf varieties, including:
Each offers different benefits depending on factors such as sunlight, shade, foot traffic and maintenance needs.
Not sure which way to go? Explore our turf varieties or get in touch with the Lilydale Instant Lawn team for help choosing the right lawn for your space.