Instant Lawn Preparation & Installation
Follow this preparation and laying guideline to help achieve a professional, great-looking result. If you’re unsure at any stage, contact us for advice. If you’d prefer to leave the preparation and installation to the professionals, we can take care of the entire process for you, from preparing the area through to laying your new instant lawn.
Firstly, select the grass variety best suited to your site and conditions. You can view our range of instant lawn options and purchase online.
Instant lawn can be laid year-round. For best results, complete all hard landscaping (driveways, paths, edging and mowing strips) before installation, and lay your lawn as soon as possible after receiving it.
Site Preparation
Spray Existing Vegetation
Spray out any existing grass and weeds using a non-residual herbicide such as Round-up. In some cases, a second application may be needed after 10–14 days to achieve full control.
If you are removing an existing lawn, you can do this manually with a spade, or with a turf cutter for a faster, more even result.
Clear the Site
Remove all debris including sticks, stones, weeds, and old grass. Once cleared, cultivate the soil to a depth of approximately 100mm using a spade, scarifier, or similar equipment.
Level and Consolidate the Soil
Compact the soil by walking over it or using a garden roller. Add or remove soil as needed, then rake to create a smooth, even surface.
Allow for a finished level 0–5mm below hard edges to accommodate the turf thickness, so the grass will sit slightly higher than surrounding surfaces once laid. The ideal surface should be firm underfoot – leaving a light footprint without deep indentation.
Address Any Problem Areas
Before laying your new lawn, resolve any underlying issues such as persistent grass weeds (e.g. paspalum), poor drainage, or uneven ground. Addressing these early will ensure the long-term success of your lawn.
You’re now ready to order your instant lawn, along with fertiliser and (during warmer months) wetting agent.
Ready to get started?
Order online or contact us
Laying Your Instant Lawn
When to Lay Your Instant Lawn
Lay your instant lawn as soon as possible after receiving it – ideally on the same day. In hot or dry conditions, keep any unlaid turf in a shaded area. If necessary, turf can be stored for up to 2–3 days, but earlier installation will always deliver better results.
Apply Fertiliser
Apply a suitable lawn fertiliser evenly over the prepared soil prior to laying. This helps stimulate strong root establishment and early growth. Take care to use the correct product and application rate, as some fertilisers can burn new turf if overapplied.
How to Lay Your Instant Lawn
Lay your turf in a staggered (brickwork) pattern, ensuring all rolls are laid in the same direction for a consistent appearance.
Start laying along a straight edge such as a driveway, path, or boundary, laying each piece tightly against the next without gaps or overlaps. Avoid stretching the turf or bending around corners – cut it to fit and trim any excess neatly with a sharp knife or spade.
Try to avoid using small, narrow strips around the edges, as these can dry out quickly and struggle to establish. Minimise walking on the newly laid lawn while laying. If needed, use boards to spread your weight and prevent indentations.
Roll Your Lawn
Once all turf is laid, lightly roll the surface with a garden roller or firm it down by foot, paying particular attention to joins and edges. This helps ensure good contact between the turf and the soil beneath.
Post-Installation
Water Your New Lawn
Water your instant lawn within 30 minutes of laying, especially in hot conditions, to prevent it from drying out. Once installation is complete, water thoroughly to a depth of approximately 150mm (around 20 minutes), ensuring moisture reaches the soil beneath the turf.
During warmer months, applying a wetting agent will help keep moisture in the soil and support strong root development.
Ongoing Care
In warm weather, maintain thorough, frequent watering for the first 14 days until the lawn is firmly rooted; in cooler weather, no watering may be needed but ensure the soil stays consistently moist during this period.
Apply fertiliser as needed, following product instructions carefully, and implement a weed control programme to prevent unwanted growth.
You can shop our range of lawn care products to help establish and maintain a healthy lawn.
