Prepare Lawn Sydney Services: How to Prepare for Turf & Grass

A healthy, green lawn can make your outdoor space look amazing. Whether you want soft grass to walk on or a nice place for family and friends, the key is to prepare your lawn well before planting.

Getting your lawn ready whether you use instant turf, start a new lawn from scratch, or replace an old one is very important for strong, healthy grass that grows all year long. 

In this article, we will show you easy steps to prepare your lawn for instant turf, how to get your soil ready for a new lawn, and how to fix an old lawn by laying new turf. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have a beautiful lawn that lasts.

How to Prepare Lawn for Instant Turf

Instant turf (or sod) is grass that has already been grown on a special soil base, cut into rolls, and ready to be laid down. It gives instant green coverage and saves the time it takes to grow grass from seed.

However, to get the best results, you must prepare the soil and site properly before laying the instant turf.

Step 1: Remove Old Grass, Weeds, and Debris

Start by clearing the area of old grass, weeds, rocks, and debris using a shovel or rake. You want a clean, level surface to prepare the soil so the turf roots can grow well. 

At this stage, check for signs of rodents or burrows that might disturb your new lawn. If you find any, place rodent bait boxes around the area to help control pests and protect your lawn from damage.

Step 2: Test and Improve the Soil

Testing your soil for pH and nutrients is important. Most grasses like soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, between pH 6 and 7. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, add lime or sulfur to balance it.

Add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage. This step is essential when you prepare lawn soil for instant turf.

Step 3: Loosen and Level the Soil

Use a garden fork, rake, or tiller to loosen the soil to about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Remove rocks or clumps.

Next, rake the area smooth and level. Avoid compacting the soil too much — it should be firm but loose enough for roots to grow when you prepare lawn ground.

Step 4: Water the Soil

Before laying the turf, water the soil lightly to help the roots settle quickly.

Step 5: Lay the Instant Turf

Lay the turf rolls tightly together in a brick-like pattern to avoid gaps. Stagger the seams to prevent weak spots.

Press the turf down firmly with your hands, feet, or a roller. Good contact between turf roots and soil is critical.

Step 6: Water Immediately and Often

Water the turf as soon as it’s laid, then keep it moist daily for the first two weeks. This helps the roots establish.

How to Prepare the Ground for a New Lawn

Starting a new lawn from bare soil is very rewarding but needs more preparation than laying instant turf.

Step 1: Remove Old Vegetation

Clear all existing grass, weeds, and plants from the area. You can do this by digging, rototilling, or using herbicide (be sure to wait the recommended time after spraying before planting).

This clears the way when you prepare lawn ground.

Step 2: Clear Debris

Remove rocks, roots, sticks, and trash with a rake.

Step 3: Test Soil pH and Nutrients

A soil test helps you know what your soil needs. Grass grows best in soil with pH between 6 and 7.

Step 4: Add Soil Amendments

Based on your test, add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve soil texture and fertility. Also, add starter fertiliser with phosphorus to encourage root growth.

This step is important when you prepare lawn soil for seeding or turf.

Step 5: Till the Soil

Use a rototiller or garden fork to dig into the soil about 15 cm (6 inches) deep. This loosens compacted soil, improves drainage, and mixes in amendments.

Step 6: Level and Grade the Soil

Rake the soil smooth and create a gentle slope away from buildings to avoid water pooling.

Step 7: Firm the Soil Lightly

Walk over the soil or lightly roll it so it’s firm but not compacted.

How to Prepare an Old Lawn for New Turf

When your old lawn is patchy or unhealthy, it may be time for new turf. Preparing an old lawn properly helps your new turf succeed.

Step 1: Remove the Old Lawn

You can remove the old grass by:

• Digging or using a sod cutter to strip it away
  
• Spraying herbicide and waiting 2-3 weeks until the grass dies, then removing it
  
• Using solarisation by covering with clear plastic in the sun for 4-6 weeks to kill old grass and weeds
  

This step clears the area so you can prepare lawn surface for new turf.

Step 2: Clear Debris

Rake up roots, stones, and dead grass.

Step 3: Test and Improve Soil

Old lawns often have tired soil. Test pH and nutrients and add lime, sulfur, fertiliser, or compost as needed.

Step 4: Level the Soil

Rake and smooth the surface, removing bumps and dips.

Step 5: Firm the Soil

Press down lightly so the soil is level and firm but still loose enough for roots to grow.

Step 6: Lay New Turf

Lay the turf rolls tightly and stagger seams like bricks. Press down firmly.

Tips for All Lawn Preparations

• Best time: Spring or early autumn are ideal for preparing and laying new turf or seed.
  
• Water well: Keep new turf moist until roots are established.
  
• Mow carefully: Don’t mow until grass is about 7-8 cm (3 inches) tall.
  
• Fertilise: Use a starter fertiliser after laying turf and feed regularly during the growing season.
  
• Protect new lawn: Avoid walking on or letting pets on the lawn for at least two weeks.

Professional Lawn Preparation Services

Some homeowners prepare lawns themselves, but hiring professionals can be better. Experts like A View Turf in Sydney have the tools and experience to handle tough jobs and save you time. They make sure your lawn is ready for new turf or grass with less effort and great results.

• Large Areas: Preparing extensive lawns can be labor-intensive and require specialized equipment like sod cutters and tillers.
  
• Compacted or Poor Soil: Professionals can assess and improve difficult soil conditions more effectively.
  
• Complex Grading Needs: Ensuring proper drainage and grading to avoid water pooling may require expert grading equipment and experience.
  
• Time Constraints: Hiring experts saves time and reduces physical strain.
  
• Guaranteed Results: Professionals often provide warranties or follow-up services, giving peace of mind.
  
• Integrated Pest and Weed Control: Experts can help manage pests and weeds before and after turf installation for healthier lawns.

Conclusion

Learning how to prepare lawn properly whether you install instant turf, start from bare soil, or renew an old lawn is the key to success. Clearing debris, testing soil, improving soil health, and leveling the ground are essential steps.

Instant turf gives you instant results but needs a well-prepared base and immediate watering. New lawns require thorough soil preparation for seed or turf to thrive. Old lawns need full removal of old material and soil renewal before laying new turf.