How to install your own lawn

We are often asked questions on the best turf type for a particular area, or how to lay turf as a DIY Lawn option. Below is the common advice we give to customers. If you find this does not answer your questions, please feel free to give us a call on 8326 3255 to discuss.

PRE-PREPARATION 

We strongly suggest that you spray off existing weeds and growth first before starting to prepare to lay your turf. We recommend a glyphosate-based weed killer, making sure you wear appropriate safety gear. Invest in a spray pack, ensure when you have finished with it to wash it out well.

CHOICE OF TURF 

When choosing your turf for your DIY Lawn project, it is important to consider a few options as the answer will affect what turf works best.

• How much sun the area will get.
• The growing climate.
• What wear and tear you expect on the area.
• Your budget.
• Aesthetics and what level of maintenance you are wanting to do.

We are more than happy to talk through the best turf for your situation on the phone, in person, or alternatively we have information on each turf in the Natural Lawn section of this website.

SOIL PREPARATION. LAYING AND WATERING 

To best prepare for laying turf it depends on type of soil you have and if pH is suitable. Generally, we recommend you remove soil down to 100mm deep, rotary-hoe the base adding in some gypsum, organic matter or organic fertiliser, or our soil conditioning fertiliser. Follow this by leveling off and infilling with a good loam such as Mt Compass Turf mix or Sandy loam (depending on your existing soil 80/20 or 60/40 mix). Rake and roll it to get level, leaving about 3 -4cm below the height you want to allow for your turf. If it is a hot day, you must water the ground well before you lay the turf and then soak the turf when you lay it and roll it again. Lay it like bricks working from one side to another, leaving the cuts until last.

Watering must be done daily for the first week, and during warm weather twice a day. When watering, ensure you are giving the lawn good soaks so the water goes down to the soil underneath. Gradually cut back the watering in the second week to every second day, then the 3rd week every third day, keeping in mind to give extra watering if needed during extreme hot weather.

IRRIGATION 

If you are doing irrigation, in particular subsurface, it is suggested to lay at 100mm below the turf, at 30cm apart (even though the irrigation shops will tell you to lay anywhere between 40 and 50cm apart). The lawn will suffer and get uneven watering if it is too far apart. The soil is placed over this and the turf is laid as above. Please note, all lawns require overhead watering when first laid and during the hot weather.

AFTERCARE

Maintenance varies depending on the type of lawn you have chosen. Please refer to each individual turf’s aftercare information, which can be found in the product guides on the Natural Lawn page.