Creating a lush, healthy lawn starts long before you roll out your new turf. Proper preparation of the ground beneath ensures your grass roots establish quickly, grow evenly, and remain vibrant for years to come. Whether you’re rejuvenating an old garden or transforming bare soil into a green oasis, taking the time to prepare your lawn before laying turf can make all the difference.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your lawn before laying turf — from soil testing to levelling and watering — so your new lawn can thrive from day one.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Laying turf might seem as simple as unrolling and watering it, but your lawn’s long-term health depends on the groundwork you do first.
Proper preparation ensures:
- Better root establishment: Turf needs good contact with the soil to develop a strong root system.
- Even growth: Level ground prevents puddles, dry spots, and uneven grass growth.
- Reduced maintenance: Healthy soil and good drainage reduce weed growth and the need for constant watering.
- Long-lasting results: A well-prepared base supports your turf through seasonal changes and heavy foot traffic.
Skipping preparation can lead to uneven patches, compacted soil, poor drainage, and even turf failure — problems that are far more difficult (and expensive) to fix later.
Prepare Your Lawn in 10 Steps
Step 1: Clear the Area Thoroughly
Start by removing any existing trees, grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. Use a shovel, hoe, or turf cutter for small areas and a rotary hoe for larger ones.
If weeds are an issue, you may need to use an environmentally safe weed killer about two weeks before laying turf. Ensure all weeds are completely dead before proceeding — otherwise, they’ll compete with your new lawn for nutrients and water.
After removing vegetation, rake the surface to remove roots, stones, and sticks. Your goal is to achieve a clean, even surface ready for soil improvement.
Step 2: Assess and Improve Your Soil
Healthy turf begins with healthy soil. Before laying turf, take the time to test and improve your soil’s condition.
Test Your Soil Type
You can test your soil’s texture by moistening a handful and squeezing it:
- Sandy soil feels gritty and crumbles easily.
- Clay soil feels sticky and forms a firm ball.
- Loam soil feels smooth and holds its shape loosely — the ideal condition for turf.
If you’re uncertain, consider a pH test kit from your local garden centre. Most turf types thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7).
Improve Soil Quality
Once you understand your soil type, you can improve it accordingly:
- For sandy soil: Add organic matter or compost to help retain moisture and nutrients.
- For clay soil: Add gypsum and organic compost to improve drainage and aeration.
- For poor or compacted soil: Incorporate fresh topsoil (about 50–100mm deep) to create a fertile base layer.
Mix the amendments into the top 100–150mm of soil using a rotary hoe or spade. Then, rake the area level again.
Step 3: Level the Ground
An even surface is crucial for laying turf smoothly and ensuring water drains properly.
Here’s how to level your ground:
- Rake the soil in several directions to distribute it evenly.
- Use a spirit level or simply eyeball it from a distance to check for dips and bumps.
- Fill in any low spots with additional soil and firm down gently.
- Avoid compacting the soil too much — you want it firm but not hard.
Once level, walk over the surface lightly or use a roller to firm the soil, then rake again to loosen the top layer slightly. This helps the turf roots make better contact with the soil.
Step 4: Install an Irrigation System (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re investing in a new lawn, consider installing an irrigation or sprinkler system before laying the turf. It will make watering more consistent and convenient, especially in larger areas.
Drip lines or pop-up sprinklers can be laid just below the surface. Make sure everything is tested and working properly before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Apply a Starter Fertiliser
Before laying your turf, apply a pre-turf fertiliser to provide essential nutrients that encourage strong root growth.
Look for a balanced, slow-release fertiliser that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Spread it evenly across the surface according to the manufacturer’s directions, then lightly rake it into the topsoil.
This simple step helps your turf establish quickly and promotes vibrant, green growth in the first few weeks.
Step 6: Water the Soil Before Laying Turf
The day before you plan to lay the turf, lightly water the soil. It should be moist but not soggy. This helps the turf roots bond more effectively with the soil.
Avoid overwatering — standing water can cause the turf to slip or rot after installation. A light sprinkle to moisten the top 50mm of soil is usually enough.
Step 7: Lay Your Turf Carefully
Now comes the exciting part — laying the turf itself!
Start Along a Straight Edge
Begin along a path, fence, or driveway to maintain a clean line. Roll out each piece of turf tightly against the previous one without overlapping.
Stagger the Joints
Lay the next row in a brick-like pattern so that the seams don’t line up. This prevents visible gaps and helps the turf knit together faster.
Cut to Fit
Use a sharp knife to trim turf around obstacles like trees, garden beds, or curved edges.
Once all the turf is laid, press down each section gently to remove air pockets. You can also roll over the entire area with a lawn roller to ensure good contact between turf and soil.
Step 8: Water Immediately After Laying
Water your new turf thoroughly right after installation — aim for the soil underneath to be soaked to about 100mm deep. This helps settle the turf and encourages deep root growth.
For the first two weeks, water your new lawn daily in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest, as this can cause evaporation and heat stress.
After the turf has taken root (usually around 3–4 weeks), you can reduce watering to every 2–3 days.
Step 9: Early Lawn Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance in the early stages is vital to ensure your turf stays healthy.
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Avoid walking on it for the first few weeks while roots establish.
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Mow carefully once the grass reaches about 5–6cm in height, ensuring your mower blades are sharp. Only cut the top third of the leaf length at a time.
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Continue fertilising every 6–8 weeks during the growing season to promote lush, green growth.
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Monitor for weeds and pests and treat them early to prevent damage.
Once established, your turf will need less water and maintenance, but consistency is key in the first few months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, homeowners sometimes make avoidable errors that impact their turf’s success. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Laying turf on uneven ground: This leads to puddles and patchy growth.
- Skipping soil improvement: Poor-quality soil won’t support healthy roots.
- Not watering enough after installation: Dry soil can cause turf edges to curl and die.
- Walking on new turf too soon: This compacts the soil and damages fragile roots.
- Overlapping turf rolls: This causes uneven seams and water pooling.
Taking your time to do each step properly ensures a smooth, professional-looking lawn that lasts.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your lawn before laying turf may take effort, but it’s the most critical step toward achieving a green, healthy, and resilient lawn. From soil testing and levelling to watering and fertilising, each stage lays the foundation for long-term success.
If you want a professional finish or need expert guidance on choosing the best turf for your area, Direct Turf can help. They supply high-quality turf varieties and provide expert advice on lawn preparation, installation, and maintenance to ensure your outdoor space looks its best year-round.
In short: The secret to a thriving lawn isn’t just the turf itself — it’s the preparation beneath it. With the right groundwork, your lawn will reward you with lush greenery and lasting beauty for years to come.
