How To Lay Turf In 7 Easy Steps

Wondering how to lay turf? Whether you’re staring at bare dirt, battling a patchy old lawn or just craving something greener and more consistent, laying turf is a DIY project that delivers instant backyard transformations.

It might look like a big job at first glance, but break it down into simple steps and it’s far less scary than it sounds. Whether this is your first turf-laying rodeo or you’re just brushing up on the basics, we’ll show you exactly how to lay turf like a pro. No trade licence, no fancy skills, just a bit of planning and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

How do I lay turf?

Step 1: Start with a solid plan.

Before you start hauling turf around the yard, take a moment to picture your dream lawn. What’s it for? A kid-friendly play zone, a quiet green escape or a backyard made for entertaining? Having a clear purpose helps shape everything that comes next.

Sketch out a rough plan of the area so you know exactly what you’re working with. Measure the length and width to calculate the total square metres (m2) of turf required. If the space is an awkward shape, break it into rectangles to make the maths easier and save yourself a headache later.

You can also use our Turf Calculator to work out how much turf you need when you’re first learning how to lay turf. It’s a lot quicker than guessing and hoping for the best.

Step 2: Choose the right grass for your yard.

Not all turf varieties are created equal. Some varieties are low-maintenance legends, while others demand a bit more love to stay green all year round. 

Choosing the right grass type is key to a lawn that actually survives and thrives. Think about leaf type, whether you prefer broadleaf turf or a fine leaf lawn, your budget, how much shade the area gets, how much foot traffic the lawn will cop and whether your yard is prone to dry spells.

Our turf suppliers clearly list wear ratings, shade tolerance and drought resistance, making it easier to compare options and choose what works best for your conditions. Warm-season grasses like Buffalo Grass, Couch, TifTuf, Ironcutter and Native Zoysia are well-suited to our subtropical Queensland climate and handle the heat like champions.

Step 3: Test and improve your soil.

Now it’s time to get friendly with your soil. Use a pH testing kit to check that it sits between 5.5 and 7. If it’s too acidic or too alkaline, don’t panic. Soil pH can be adjusted with the right treatment.

A sandy soil base is ideal as it drains well and encourages strong root growth. If your yard is heavy on clay, you’ll need to loosen it up and mix in sandy soil so water can move through more freely instead of pooling on the surface.

Already blessed with sandy soil? Lucky you. Add organic matter like compost to boost nutrients and improve soil structure. A balanced base like this gives your turf the best possible chance to establish quickly and stay healthy.

Step 4: Get your preparation right.

With your measurements sorted and soil improved, it’s time to prep the underlay, which is the foundation of a healthy lawn.

Start by levelling the surface, removing rocks, roots and any debris that might get in the way. Lightly compact the soil to stabilise it, but don’t flatten it into concrete. You should be able to see a clear boot print, without the sides collapsing in.

To give your turf a flying start, consider adding an underdress soil blended with a slow-release fertiliser such as Garden Mate or LSA Lawn Launcher. This helps feed the turf during its early stages and encourages strong root development.

A properly prepared underlay makes all the difference and sets your lawn up for long-term success.

Step 5: Lay your turf.

This is the fun part. Finally, it’s time to roll out the green carpet.

Begin laying turf along a straight edge, like a driveway or pathway, to keep everything neat and lined up. Use full slabs or rolls around the edges to create a solid, tidy border.

As you work your way across the area, stagger the joints so the pieces lock together more securely. This helps prevent erosion and keeps everything stable, especially on sloped ground. When learning how to lay turf on a slope, always lay it across the slope, never down it.

Use a spade, garden shears or a sharp knife to trim each slab to shape. Avoid using small offcuts against hard edges where possible and don’t be tempted to fill big gaps with tiny pieces. They dry out quickly and struggle to establish compared to full sections.

What aftercare does my new turf need in the first six weeks?

The first six weeks after installation are critical for your turf, so don’t drop the ball here.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to support root development. A handy rule of thumb is this: if a wet towel on the clothesline has fully dried, it’s time to water again.

Stay off the lawn as much as possible during this period to avoid damaging the soft, developing roots. Hold off on mowing until the turf reaches its recommended height, then mow gently and never remove more than one-third of the blade length in a single cut.

How do I keep my lawn looking great long-term?

Once your turf is established, you can ease off the intensive care and switch to regular maintenance.

Water less often but more deeply to encourage strong, deep root systems. Keep an eye out for signs of dryness, such as curling or fading blades.

Stick to the one-third rule when mowing and make sure your mower blades are sharp so you don’t stress the grass.

Fertilise every 8–10 weeks with a lawn-specific fertiliser to maintain healthy growth and colour.

Aerate high-traffic or compacted areas to improve airflow and water penetration, and topdress when needed, particularly in warmer months, by adding a light layer of compost to improve soil structure.

Topdress if needed, especially during warmer seasons, by adding a light layer of compost to boost soil structure.

Learning how to lay turf is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like watching a barren patch of dirt turn into a lush, green lawn. By following these steps, from careful planning through to proper aftercare, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy lawn that seriously upgrades your outdoor space.

For extra guidance on lawn care, watering and long-term maintenance, you can also check the Queensland Government’s advice on lawn care.

Now that you know how to lay turf, it’s time to get stuck in and enjoy the results. And if you need a hand along the way, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Your future lawn will thank you.