How to lay a lawn

Step 1: Soil Preparation

When getting ready to lay down instant turf, don’t skip the crucial step of prepping your soil. Follow these easy guidelines for a perfect foundation:

1. Assess Your Soil: Start by evaluating your soil quality. If it’s in good shape, a quick rotary hoe or some digging might be all you need. For larger areas, aim for a well-worked soil base of at least 100mm.
2. Soil Enhancement: If your soil isn’t up to par or lacks nutrients, consider adding a soil mix like Sandy Loam. Spread it evenly across the area. Not sure what blend to use? Your local garden supplier can lend a hand.
3. Smooth Things Out: Rake your soil to remove any rocks, roots, or debris. Then, roll and lightly compact the soil with a water roller. This helps even out the surface and identifies low spots that need more soil. Keep the soil level about 20-25mm below paths to ensure your lawn matches up with your surroundings.
4. Starter Fertilizer: Good news! Orders of 50sqm or more come with free starter fertiliser. For smaller orders, you can easily add a bag of our starter fertiliser to your cart. These pellets provide essential nutrients to help your new turf thrive during the early stages.

Step 2: Measuring and Ordering

Before diving into your turf project, it’s essential to get your measurements spot on. Here’s how to tackle this crucial step:

• Measure Up: Grab your trusty tape measure and accurately assess the area where you’ll be laying down your new lawn. Need a hand with the math? Go to our Turf Calculator for easy calculations. Still feeling unsure? Give our friendly team a ring at 02 4651 0000, and we’ll walk you through it.
• Precision Matters: Take your time with the measurements. Unfortunately, we can’t accept returns after your new lawn is installed, so it’s vital to get it right the first time.
• Place Your Order: With your measurements in hand, it’s time to order your new turf. Remember to schedule your delivery only after you’ve finished preparing your soil and are ready to install your grass. Instant turf is perishable, so aim to lay it down the same day it arrives.

Step 4: Turf Installation

Once your turf arrives, it’s go time! Turf is a living plant, so it needs to be installed promptly to thrive. Here’s how to ensure a successful installation:

1. Immediate Installation: Don’t delay—install your turf as soon as it arrives. Place any stacks in the shade if you can’t lay them right away, or lightly sprinkle them with water to keep them moist, especially in hot weather.
2. Start Strong: Begin laying your turf along the longest straight line, like a driveway or path. Butt the edges and ends tightly together without stretching, ensuring there are no gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in a brick-like pattern, and use a large knife to trim turf or shape corners as needed.
3. Mind the Slope: If you’re working on a slope, lay the turf rolls or strips across it to prevent slippage.
4. Roll It Out: After installation, give your lawn a good roll with a lawn roller. This improves contact between the turf and soil, eliminating air pockets for better rooting.
5. Stay Off the Grass: Until your turf is established, avoid walking or kneeling on it. This prevents indentations and air pockets that could hinder growth.

With these steps, you’ll set the stage for a thriving, beautiful lawn that you can enjoy for years to come.

Step 5: Turf Watering

Watering Freshly Laid Turf (0-4 weeks)

Newly laid turf requires immediate attention to thrive. Here’s how to keep it happy during the establishment period:

• Keep It Moist: Water your new lawn 2-3 times a day to ensure it stays damp. In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to prevent drying out.

Watering Established Turf (Weeks 4-6+)

Once your turf’s roots have taken hold, adjust your watering routine gradually:

• Ease Up: As your lawn’s root system establishes (usually around weeks 4-6), gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing the duration. Start with longer waterings once a day, then transition to every second day, and so on, until you’re watering deeply for 1-2 hours once a week. This encourages deeper root growth and resilience.

Best Watering Practices

Effective watering is key to a healthy lawn. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use Sprinklers: Opt for a portable sprinkler or pop-up irrigation system for even and efficient watering. Move the sprinkler around your yard as needed to ensure full coverage.
• Tap Timer Tip: Simplify your watering routine by adding a tap timer. Just set it and forget it for hassle-free lawn hydration.

By following these watering tips, you’ll nurture your turf to lush, green perfection.

Step 6: Maintenance

1. Mowing

• Regular mowing with either a rotary or cylinder-type mower is essential for your instant turf in Sydney, Wollongong or the Southern Highlands. Your new instant lawn should be mown 10-14 days after installation.
• Continue to mow often, generally no more than 1/3 of the grass height at mowing. Keep your mower blades sharp. For correct cutting heights, refer to the Instant Turf page.

2. Fertilizing

• Fertilizers should be applied regularly all year round. Our professional lawn supply team can advise which fertiliser will suit your instant turf type and budget. Small applications at frequent intervals give the best results.
• For example, 1 ½kg/100m2 per month of lawn fertilizer will keep your new lawn in an active, healthy condition.
• From time to time, you may need advice or assistance in caring for your lawn. Contact us directly for the best lawn care advice possible.
• Keep in mind that your new lawn increases your property value significantly. Proper care will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface and an improved environment for many years.