How your new lawn comes together
Our Turf Installation Process
A good lawn starts before the turf arrives. Here is how we plan the yard, prepare the ground, lay the turf and help you through the first few weeks.
From the old yard to the new lawn
Five steps, completed in the right order
The exact preparation depends on your yard, but the order is simple: understand the area, clear it, prepare the soil, lay fresh turf and start the watering.
Assess 01Look over the yard and plan the work
We measure the lawn and work out what needs to happen before fresh turf can be delivered.
- Measure the lawn shape and look at paths, drains, garden beds and the route in from the street.
- Check what is growing there now, the soil underneath, the sunlight and how the lawn will be used.
- Make sure every part of the new lawn can be watered after installation.
Clear 02Remove the old lawn and clear the area
The agreed area is cleared back to ground that can be properly prepared.
- Remove the old turf, weeds and unwanted vegetation included in the work.
- Clear loose rubble, rocks, leftover building material and roots that would interfere with the new lawn.
- Where weed treatment is useful, allow the right preparation time before the turf is laid.
Prepare 03Prepare the soil and shape the lawn
We create a smooth, firm foundation so the turf can sit evenly and meet nearby edges neatly.
- Loosen compacted ground with a rotary hoe where it is suitable and safe to do so.
- Bring in suitable soil where the new lawn needs more depth or better soil underneath.
- Rake, shape and lightly roll the area so it is even and firm without becoming hard.
Install 04Lay, trim and roll the turf
Fresh turf is fitted closely across the prepared ground and trimmed neatly around the yard.
- Start from a straight edge and stagger the joins so the rolls fit together cleanly.
- Close the joins without stretching the turf or leaving gaps.
- Trim around paths, drains, trees and garden beds, then lightly roll the lawn against the soil underneath.
Establish 05Water the lawn and explain the early care
The new turf is watered promptly and you are shown how to care for it while the roots settle in.
- Water deeply enough to moisten the turf and the prepared soil beneath it.
- Adjust the watering to suit the weather, soil, sun and current water rules.
- Keep foot traffic light and follow the advice on checking roots and planning the first mow.
Preparation for your yard
We only use the preparation your lawn needs
Some lawns need old turf removed and fresh soil brought in. Others need compacted ground loosened or extra work around roots, drains and paths.
- Weed or vegetation treatment is used only where it is suitable and enough time can be allowed before laying.
- Rotary hoeing is useful for some compacted soils, but not around every tree root, pipe, cable or fixed edge.
- Fresh soil, fertiliser, soil conditioners or water-saving crystals may be included when they suit the yard and turf.
- Large stumps, major drainage, retaining walls or irrigation repairs may need another trade before turfing can continue.
A real backyard transformation
See the Kellyville lawn come together
Follow the yard from the original ground through soil preparation to the completed natural lawn.
Before
Kellyville backyard before the turf preparation work
Preparation
Kellyville backyard excavated and shaped for a new lawn platform
Completed
Finished Kellyville natural lawn viewed from the timber corner edge
Helpful lawn guides
Know what to do before and after laying day
Learn what information to prepare, how to choose a suitable time and what your new lawn needs during the first few weeks.
Project preparationHow to Prepare for Turf Installation in SydneySee which measurements and photos are useful before we visit.Read guide
Seasonal planningWhen to Lay Turf in SydneyChoose a time when the yard can be prepared and the new lawn can be watered properly.Read guide
AftercareNew Turf Watering and AftercareLearn how to water, protect and mow a newly laid lawn.Read guideProcess questions
Questions about preparing and laying turf
Do you remove or kill the existing lawn first?
That depends on the lawn. Some existing turf can be removed as part of the ground preparation, while weeds or persistent grasses may need treatment beforehand. We work out the suitable approach before laying day.
Is rotary hoeing included on every turf project?
No. A rotary hoe can help loosen compacted soil, but it is not suitable around every tree root, pipe, cable or hard edge. We use it only when it will genuinely improve the ground.
Are fresh soil and water-saving crystals always used?
No. Fresh soil is added where the yard needs more depth or a better base. Fertiliser, soil conditioners and water-saving crystals are considered according to the lawn rather than added to every job automatically.
Planning a new lawn?
Let’s start with your yard
Tell us where you are and share a few photos of the lawn and access. We can then arrange the next step.