What is Turf?

By definition ‘turf’ is the upper most layer of the soil which is bound together by the roots of grass or other plants.

For the home lawn market, ‘turf’ refers to pre-grown grass that has been cultivated, harvested, and rolled into easy-to-install sections. It consists of a layer of healthy grass and a thin section of soil held together by the grass’s root system.

In the North American market, it’s not uncommon to hear lawn lovers, landscapers or renovators on TV shows refer to it as ‘sod’, which unlike the turf rolls we get in the Australian market, is laid out in large square patches like carpet tiles.

Turf is a ready-made solution for creating an instant lawn, making it a popular choice for homeowners, landscapers, and businesses looking to quickly establish a green, lush outdoor space. Unlike grass seed, which can take weeks to germinate and grow, turf delivers immediate results and an instantly usable lawn.

When compared to planting a lawn from seed, line planting, or growing from scarified stolons, turf provides a faster, more reliable, and visually appealing solution.

A turfed lawn can be ready to use in as little as a few weeks, whereas seed or stolon-based methods often require months of patience, maintenance, and protection from the elements. Turf also establishes more uniformly, reducing patchiness and inconsistency often seen with seeded lawns.

Beyond its advantages over other grass-growing methods, turf outperforms alternative ground coverings such as rock, gravel, or bark in many ways. A natural turf lawn provides a soft, cool surface that is perfect for playing, entertaining, or relaxing outdoors.

Environmentally, turf offers significant benefits.It absorbs carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, reduces urban heat, and helps control erosion.

Unlike hard surfaces, turf also filters rainwater and improves overall soil health. A well-laid turf lawn transforms your backyard into a functional extension of your home, ideal for barbecues, outdoor games, or simply unwinding surrounded by your natural garden.

The cost of laying turf can vary depending on the variety of grass selected and the size of the area being covered. Premium varieties such as shade-tolerant or drought-resistant grasses may cost slightly more, but they offer long-term benefits suited to specific conditions.

Prices are calculated per square metre, so larger lawns will naturally require a bigger investment. While turf may have a higher upfront cost compared to grass seed, the savings in time, labour, and ongoing maintenance can make it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

We recently published a thorough guide to Turf Costing including typical pricing broken down by all the myhomeTURF Varieties, as well as additional costs to factor in when laying turf such as surface preparation and ongoing costs like nutrition.

Selecting the right turf variety for your lawn depends on several key factors. Start by assessing the size of your yard and how it will be used. If you have children or pets who will actively use the lawn, opt for a durable, high-traffic grass variety.

For yards with shaded areas, look for shade-tolerant turf options that thrive with minimal sunlight, like Sapphire Buffalo.

Homeowners in warmer climates may benefit from heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda Grass or Kikuyu, while cooler regions may require ryegrass or fescue blends.

Soil quality, water availability, and maintenance preferences should also influence your choice to ensure the lawn remains healthy and vibrant year-round.

Be sure to read out comprehensive What Turf Grass is Best For Your Home? article.

While artificial turf may seem like a low-maintenance alternative, it comes with several drawbacks compared to natural grass.

Artificial turf retains heat making it uncomfortable in warm climates, and lacks the natural cooling and air-purifying benefits of real turf. It also requires periodic cleaning and replacement over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

In contrast, natural turf enhances soil health, supports biodiversity, and provides a cooler, more inviting outdoor environment. However, in highly shaded or extremely low-maintenance areas, artificial turf may occasionally be a practical solution.

Where to Find Your Local Turf Supplier

myhomeTURF suppliers operate some of the country’s biggest and most professional turf farms, supplying you with the market’s most loved grass varieties. You can find a Supplier In Your Local Area, or use the Get 3 Quotes Tool on our website to access the latest, most competitive pricing from your closest myhomeTURF Supplier.