• Turf Prep & Installation

Checklist for site and soil lawn preparation

Preparing a site for a new lawn is easy as long as you follow some basic steps.

• Eliminate all existing grasses or weeds: spray with a recommended weed killer; for Couch use Fusilade Forte (Fluazifop-p) and for all other weeds, including Kikuyu, use Roundup (Glyphosate). Wait seven days after the first spray and then water to germinate any other weeds. If needed, repeat spraying and wait a further 14 days.
• Clear the area: By removing all rocks, debris, dead lawn and weeds.
• To avoid drainage problems: Ensure the soil gradient slopes away from your house foundations or pathways.
• Install water reticulation: Test the output and coverage. 
• Evaluate your soil type: Heavy clay soils can be improved by adding large quantities of composted organic manure, and possibly gypsum. Never mix just sand and clay. Sandy soils can be improved by adding water savers (purchase from a hardware store) or mixing in a good composted, organic manure.
• The final height of the GOOD soil: Should be at least 15-20cm deep and 3cm below pathways or driveways. Level off the soil with a rake. The prepared base must be firm enough to walk on, without sinking into the surface.
• Use a tape measure to accurately measure for your lawn order: Refer to our Measuring your lawn story for examples on how to measure your lawn site. Make sure you order 5% extra to allow for off- cuts.

Be sure to select the right lawn variety for your functional and everyday requirements. It must also be suitable for your climate and your soil type.

Refer to our Quick Lawn Selection Guide to view the different lawn varieties.