What's the biggest lawn care mistake we see? Not prepping your yard properly.
Sometimes it's not what people do with their new lawn, but what they didn't do before it even arrives. They've skipped removing the old soil, forgone adding enough fresh soil, and overlooked choosing the right soil for their grass.
Here's what we can tell you: skipping proper yard preparation will result in lifeless turf. Full stop.
You could end up paying twice (for new prep, new installation, and new turf) or spend years fighting drainage problems, unstoppable weeds, and a lawn that looks like it's given up.
We've seen firsthand what happens when DIY goes wrong. Here's a cautionary tale, along with our top advice to ensure your turf thrives from the start.
5 Signs of a Bad Site Preparation and Installation Job
Firstly, here are the common mistakes we see when people tackle yard prep and turf install themselves.
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Not removing the existing lawn thoroughly and letting old grass infest the new turf
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Skipping under-lawn fertiliser, so there are no nutrients between the soil and turf
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Using the wrong soil type - different grasses need different soils
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Flawed laying technique, which causes the grass to dry out quickly
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Forgetting to roll after installation, which is crucial for good contact between turf and soil
If you're going down the DIY path, let us at least walk you through it.
How to Prepare Your Lawn for New Turf
1) Make Sure You're Ready for Your Lawn:
Before your turf arrives, complete all other landscaping tasks, which means finishing retaining walls, garden edges, and pathways. Tick off those jobs before rolling out your beautiful new grass.
2) Remove All Existing Lawn:
No grass, no weeds, no rocks, no sticks and no solid materials left in the soil. A blank canvas is the red carpet treatment your turf deserves when it arrives. We recommend spraying with herbicide and pesticide twice over a two-week period before preparation. If you're unsure about application rates, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
3) Pick the Correct Soil Type:
Turf underlay is your foundation. You get one shot at this; once the turf is down, it's too late.
A good underlay mix generally includes:
- Washed river sand (medium to coarse particles with some clay for compaction)
- Heavier soil for moisture retention and water flow
- Composted material (green waste, chicken or animal manure) plus natural nutrients for pH balance
- Apply a minimum depth of 100mm. Then level, roll, and water the area before installing turf.
- Different turf varieties prefer different soil types. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and Nullarbor Couch adapt well to most soils. However, Zoysia Sir Grange, Zoysia Australis, and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda thrive best in an 80% sand / 20% loam mix.
Not sure what's best for your turf? Reach out, we're happy to help.
4) Don't Skip Under-Lawn Fertiliser
Under-lawn fertilisers contain water crystals that swell up and retain moisture between the soil and turf (exactly where it belongs). These crystals will help keep your freshly laid grass hydrated and encourage it to establish healthy roots. Your plan is to apply under lawn fertiliser evenly, lay your turf on top, and keep it moist.
Our top under-lawn picks:
Your Lawn Prep Checklist
✔ Finish hardscaping (edging, paths, retaining walls)
✔ Remove all grass, weeds, and debris
✔ Apply herbicide and pesticide twice over two weeks
✔ Choose the right underlay mix (based on turf type)
✔ Lay 100mm of soil, then level, roll, and water
✔ Apply under-lawn fertiliser evenly
What Does Our Preparation Service Include?
If all of this sounds like a bit much to get your head around, we offer complete preparation and installation services.
Here's what our prep service includes:
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Clearing the yard, soil preparation and ensuring or establishing proper drainage
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A welcome pack with watering instructions, our GoTurf All-Rounder fertiliser, a product and troubleshooting guide, turf warranty information, and more.
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On-site recommendations tailored to your yard's specific needs.
We can provide remote advice using photos, but having us on-site offers you next-level peace of mind.
How to Install Your New Lawn
We've spent months growing your grass, so please don't let it die in your driveway.
You've Got 24 Hours to Install
24 hours. That's it. From harvest to your ground, the clock is ticking. Lay your turf immediately after delivery to minimise transplant shock and promote healthy root growth. When we harvest it, we're severing roots that have taken months to establish. Your job? Get those roots back in the ground ASAP.
What Does Our Installation Service Include?
Same-day delivery and same-day installation are non-negotiable. If you're unsure whether you can manage it yourself, let our team handle it for you. Our GoTurf team of specialists provide:
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Expert installation for high-quality results
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Efficient turf laying to minimise disruption
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Post-installation care guidance
Getting Grass to Your Doorstep
Whether you're booking prep and install or going DIY, here's how our turf gets from farm to front yard.
It starts with you. Let us know how much turf you need, the variety you prefer, and whether you would like to pick it up or have it delivered.
On turf day, we harvest your order fresh from our 150-hectare farm using our FireFly harvester. The turf is then transported to our pick-up bay or straight to your backyard.
Why We're a One-Stop Shop (And Why That Matters)
Secret's out: You DON'T need to lift a finger to have a stunning Queensland yard. At GoTurf, we do it all. We grow it, harvest it, transport it, prepare it, and lay it.
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast collecting turf or seeking complete VIP treatment, from expert preparation and installation to aftercare, your dream yard is our top priority. So, can we start harvesting your new lawn?
FAQ
Q: Can I install turf in winter?
Yes, any time is a good time to lay turf in South East Queensland. It may take a little longer to establish roots, but it'll likely require less watering.
Q: How long before I can walk on my new lawn?
It depends on the season, turf variety, and the level of care. A good rule of thumb: once you try to lift a corner and it won't budge, it's established.
Q: How much does it cost to prep a yard for turf?
There's no one-size-fits-all price. Square meterage is just one piece of the puzzle; access, soil condition, and terrain all play a part. For a personalised quote, contact our team.
Q: How do I care for my lawn after it's laid?
We provide a care pack with watering instructions, on-site tips, and everything you need to help your lawn thrive.
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