Preparing Your Ground
The single biggest factor in whether your new turf thrives or fails is ground preparation. Skip this step and you'll be relaying turf within a year.
Step 1: Clear the Area
Remove all existing grass, weeds, stones, and debris. If you have old lawn, use a turf cutter to strip it off or kill it with glyphosate 2-3 weeks before you plan to lay new turf. Dig out any perennial weed roots — dandelions and docks will push straight through new turf if left.
Step 2: Rotavate or Fork Over
Break up the top 150mm (6 inches) of soil. If you're working with heavy clay, this is the time to incorporate sharp sand or grit to improve drainage. For sandy soil, add organic matter to improve moisture retention.
Step 3: Level and Firm
Rake the soil to a smooth, even surface. Then firm it by walking across the entire area with short, overlapping steps (the "gardener's shuffle"). Rake again to remove footprints and create a fine tilth. The finished level should be about 25mm below any adjacent paths or edges to account for the turf thickness.
Step 4: Apply Pre-turf Fertiliser
Scatter a pre-turf fertiliser at the recommended rate and lightly rake it in. This gives the new roots something to grow into immediately.
Laying the Turf
Step 5: Start Along a Straight Edge
Lay your first row of turf along the longest straight edge — a path, driveway, or fence line. Butt each piece tightly against the next without overlapping. Stagger the joints like brickwork in subsequent rows.
Step 6: Work Forward, Stand on Boards
Always work forwards onto soil, standing on a plank placed on the turf you've already laid. This prevents damaging the prepared soil surface and helps firm the new turf down.
Step 7: Cut to Fit
Use a sharp knife or half-moon edger to trim turf around curves, beds, and obstacles. Avoid using small offcuts at edges — they dry out and shrink. Put small pieces in the middle of the lawn where they'll be supported by surrounding turf.
Step 8: Water Immediately
Water thoroughly as soon as each section is laid — don't wait until the whole lawn is finished. New turf needs to stay moist. In warm weather, water twice daily for the first two weeks, then gradually reduce.
Aftercare
- Don't walk on new turf for at least 2-3 weeks
- First mow when the grass reaches about 50mm — set the mower high and only take off the top third
- Feed after 6-8 weeks with a balanced lawn fertiliser
- Don't lay turf in a drought unless you can guarantee regular watering