Complete guide to laying turf

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The best way to lay turf is to prepare your soil and roll out the turf immediately upon delivery. Press the edges together in a brickwork pattern, and water deeply as soon as the lawn is installed. Turf should always be laid the same day it arrives, as it is a live product and needs soil contact and water to survive. Laying turf is one of the fastest ways to achieve an instant lawn, but success depends on the proper preparation and care. 

This guide contains everything you need, from soil preparation and choosing the right grass type to rolling out the turf and watering tips. With these steps, you can give your lawn a good start and enjoy fresh, green grass within weeks.

Preparing your soil before laying turf

Good turf installation starts with proper soil preparation. Without it, even the best turf varieties may struggle to grow evenly. Follow these steps before your turf delivery:

1. Clear the area – Remove existing turf, weeds, and debris. If replacing old grass, ensure the soil surface is free of roots and waste.
2. Loosen the soil – Use a rotary hoe or rake to break up compacted soil. This improves aeration and allows turf roots to contact the soil well.
3. Add underlay soil – Spread a quality turf underlay soil mix 100-150 mm deep across the area. Mix the turf underlay into your existing soil to help new grass roots grow deeper and establish faster.
4. Level the surface – Rake the underlay to ensure a smooth, even surface. Slightly slope the lawn area away from your house to allow water to flow and avoid drainage issues.
5. Apply starter fertiliser – Before laying, add a fertiliser such as a lawn launcher to boost nutrients and give your lawn a good head start.

How to lay turf step by step

Follow these steps to install your new lawn correctly and ensure healthy growth:

1. Prepare the soil – Remove existing turf, weeds, and debris. Level the ground and firm the soil lightly with a rake. For the best results, add turf underlay soil and apply a starter fertiliser such as Lawn Launcher.
2. Start laying turf – Begin along the longest straight edge of your lawn. Lay turf rolls in a brickwork pattern, pressing edges together tightly without overlapping.
3. Cut turf to fit – Use a sharp knife or spade to trim turf around curves, trees, or garden beds. Make sure the turf edges are tight to prevent gaps.
4. Firm the turf – Lightly roll the turf with a lawn roller or press down with your hands to ensure good contact with the soil. This helps roots establish quickly.
5. Water immediately – Once you’ve finished laying turf, water the whole lawn deeply so moisture reaches the turf and soil beneath.

Preparing your soil before laying turf

The success of your new lawn depends on how well you prepare the soil. Healthy soil creates the foundation for roots to establish quickly and grow into a resilient, green lawn.

Checklist for soil preparation:

1. Clear the area – Remove existing turf, weeds, and debris so the new turf has direct contact with the soil.
2. Test the soil – Check the pH and structure. Grass grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7). See Agriculture Victoria’s soil testing guide for more details.
3. Add organic matter – Mix compost or organic fertiliser into the soil to improve structure and drainage.
4. Level the surface – Rake to remove bumps and fill low spots with a turf underlay soil.
5. Apply a starter fertiliser – Use a slow-release fertiliser to give the turf nutrients during early establishment.

Watering and caring for your new turf

Watering is the most essential step after laying your turf. Without the right amount of water, the grass roots can dry out before establishing themselves. 

Steps for watering and aftercare:

• Water immediately after laying – Soak the turf thoroughly so the soil beneath is moist to a depth of at least 10 cm. This ensures good contact between the turf and soil.
• Keep turf damp in the first weeks – Water lightly 1–2 times a day until roots begin to establish. In hot or windy weather, your lawn may require more frequent watering.
• Reduce gradually – After 2–3 weeks, reduce watering to every second day, then transition to a regular schedule that suits your grass type and climate.
• Check water restrictions – Always follow Victorian water restrictions before setting up sprinklers.
• Mowing and fertilising – Wait until your turf is firmly rooted before mowing. Use a sharp mower and never cut over one-third of the grass blade.

Aftercare and maintenance for new turf

Proper aftercare is essential to helping your new turf establish and grow into a strong, healthy lawn. In the first few weeks, your turf needs consistent watering, light maintenance, and patience. 

• Water regularly – For the first 2–3 weeks, water your lawn daily to moisten the soil. Gradually reduce frequency as roots establish. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to soggy soil.
• Avoid heavy use – Keep foot traffic to a minimum until the turf roots anchor firmly in the soil.
• Mow carefully – Wait until the grass is at least 5–7 cm high before mowing your lawn for the first time. Make sure the mower blades are sharp to avoid damaging the new turf.
• Fertilise lightly – Apply a slow-release fertiliser about 6–8 weeks after laying to give your lawn the nutrients it needs for long-term growth.

FAQs

How do I measure how much turf I need?

To measure how much turf you need, calculate the total turf area of your lawn. Measure the length and width of simple shapes like rectangles, or break complex lawns into smaller sections, such as circles and triangles. Add them all together to find the total square metres. Always order a little extra to allow cutting when laying the turf.

When is the best time to lay instant turf?

The best time to lay instant turf is during spring or autumn when conditions aren’t too hot or cold. Turf is a living plant, and laying during mild weather helps it establish faster. If you’re laying a new lawn in summer, water the turf frequently to protect it from heat stress.

What should I do after turf installation?

After turf installation, water the turf immediately to help the roots bind with the existing soil. Keep the newly laid turf moist for the first 2–3 weeks, avoid heavy foot traffic, and mow only once the turf is firmly anchored in the ground. Applying a lawn starter fertiliser gives your lawn a good boost for long-term growth.

Create your best lawn with expert turf advice

A step-by-step guide to laying turf makes the process easier, but the quality of your turf matters just as much as the preparation. At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we supply fresh turf varieties like DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo and TifTuf Bermuda, which are grown for Australian conditions. Whether creating a turf lawn for a family backyard, installing turf on a slope, or planning a complete grass installation, we provide everything you need for success.

Don’t leave your project to chance. Use our turf calculator to check how much turf you need, prepare the right underlay, and order your turf as soon as your lawn area is ready. With quick delivery and expert advice, we’ll help you lay your new turf the right way — for a healthy, green lawn that lasts.

Check out our premium turf varieties or get personalised advice from our friendly team today.