Step-by-Step · Perth, WA
How to Lay
Your New Lawn
Installing turf is simpler than most people think. Follow these steps and your lawn will be established and thriving within a few weeks. All Lawn Doctor turf is cut fresh to order from our Gingin farm — here's everything you need to do from delivery day onwards.
Step 1
Measure Your Space
Before ordering
Step 2
Prepare the Soil
2-14 days before
Step 3
Lay the Turf
Delivery day
Step 4
Establish and Care
First 4 weeks
Step 1
Measure Your Space
Getting your measurements right before you order means no wasted turf and no shortfall on delivery day. Add 5-10% to your total to allow for trimming and irregular shapes.
1
Sketch your lawn area
Draw a rough diagram of your lawn on paper. It doesn't need to be to scale — just a representation you can add measurements to. Divide any irregular shapes into smaller rectangles or triangles.
2
Measure length and width of each section
Use a measuring tape to measure each section from end to end. For rectangular sections, measure length and width. For triangles, measure the base and height. Write down each measurement.
3
Calculate the total area
Multiply length by width for each rectangular section. For triangles, multiply base by height then divide by two. Add all sections together for your total square metres.
4
Add 5-10% for wastage
Irregular shapes, trimming around edges and cutting around garden beds all generate off-cuts. Add a minimum of 5% to your total — 10% for complex or irregular shapes.
Not sure how to measure?
Our team can help you work out the right amount before you order. Call us on (08) 9306 1788 or get a free quote online and we'll guide you through it.
Step 2
Prepare Your Soil
Soil preparation is the most important part of the entire process. A well-prepared base is the difference between a lawn that establishes quickly and one that struggles for months.
Key Timing Note
If using Glyphosate to kill existing weeds, apply at least 7 days before laying — 14 days is better. Glyphosate only works through the leaf, not the soil, so weeds that haven't yet emerged won't be affected. Allow the full time before you lay.
🌿 Clear the area
Remove all existing grass, weeds and debris using a spade, sod cutter or bobcat. Spray Glyphosate first if needed and allow the full wait time before removing.
📐 Level the surface
Rake to remove lumps and bumps. Grade the surface so it drains away from the house — a 1-2% slope is ideal. Every bump now becomes a permanent feature of your lawn.
🔄 Compact the soil
Walk over the area or use a lawn roller to lightly compact the soil. This ensures good contact between the soil and the turf when it goes down.
💧 Pre-water the soil
Water the prepared soil thoroughly the day before or the morning of laying. Moist soil gives the turf the best possible start and encourages immediate root engagement.
🌱 Apply starter fertiliser
Work a starter fertiliser into the top 50mm of soil. This provides phosphorus right where the new roots will reach first. Do not skip this step.
🫧 Apply a wetting agent
Apply a soil wetting agent to the prepared area before laying. Critical on Perth's sandy soils — without it, water beads off rather than reaching the roots.
🚧 Install edging Optional
If separating lawn from garden beds or paving, install edging now before the turf goes down. Far easier before than after.
💦 Install reticulation Optional
If you plan to install a retic system, do it before laying the turf. Consistent watering is the single most important factor for establishment — retic makes this significantly easier.
Recommended
Installation Packs
Our installation packs include the starter fertiliser, wetting agent and post-laying liquid feed — everything needed for the preparation and establishment stages, sized to your lawn area.
View Installation Packs
Step 3
Lay the Turf
Your turf is cut fresh on delivery day — it should go down the same day it arrives. Don't leave rolls or slabs stacked overnight. They generate heat quickly and will begin to yellow within 24-48 hours.
1
Water the soil immediately before laying
Give the prepared soil a thorough water on the morning of laying. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged when the turf goes down.
2
Start along a straight edge
Begin laying along the longest straight edge — a fence line, driveway or pathway. This gives you a clean reference line to work from. Lay the first row end to end without gaps.
3
Stagger joints in a brick-bond pattern
Each new row should start offset from the last — like brickwork. This prevents long straight seams which are more visible and can dry out faster. Butt edges tightly together with no gaps between pieces.
4
Cut to fit around edges and obstacles
Use a sharp knife or spade to cut turf to fit around curves, garden beds and obstacles. Take your time — clean cuts are less visible once the lawn establishes. Never stretch the turf to fill a gap.
5
Roll the entire lawn after laying
Once all the turf is down, roll the entire lawn to ensure firm soil contact across the full surface. Air pockets beneath the turf prevent root contact and cause dry spots. Roll again after the first watering.
6
Water thoroughly within 30 minutes of laying
Don't wait. Water deeply immediately after laying — both the turf and the soil beneath need to be saturated. You should see water beginning to seep through the joints and into the soil below.
✓ Do
Lay turf the same day it's deliveredButt edges tightly with no gaps
Roll after laying to ensure soil contact
Water within 30 minutes of laying
Work on boards to avoid compaction
✗ Don't
Leave rolls stacked overnightStretch turf to fill gaps — cut a new piece
Walk directly on freshly laid turf
Lay turf over wet or waterlogged soil
Overlap edges — butt them tightly
Not yet ordered?
Choose from four AusGAP certified varieties
Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Couch, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch — all grown at our Gingin farm and cut fresh to order. Not sure which is right for your block? Our team can help.
Compare Varieties
Step 4
Establish and Care
The first four weeks after laying are the most critical. Getting the watering right during this period determines how quickly and evenly your lawn establishes. Everything else is straightforward once you have a routine.
Water Corporation Exemption
New lawns are exempt from standard sprinkler restrictions for the first 28 days after installation. This means you are not limited to two days per week during establishment. Standard restrictions apply again after 28 days. Check watercorporation.com.au for current rules and time-of-day requirements.
Watering Schedule — First 28 Days
| Period | Frequency | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Morning and evening | Saturate soil to 100mm depth. Turf and soil must both be thoroughly wet. |
| Days 4-10 | Once daily — morning | 25-30mm per session. Check soil is moist 50mm down before each water. |
| Days 11-21 | Every 2-3 days | 25-30mm. Check soil moisture before watering — skip if still moist. |
| Day 28 onwards | Standard restrictions (2 days/week) | 25-30mm per session. Reduce gradually as lawn establishes. |
Key Establishment Milestones
Day 10-14
Test for root establishment. Gently tug a corner of the turf. If it resists and won't lift easily, roots have engaged with the soil. If it lifts freely, give it more time and continue daily watering.
Week 2-3
First mow. Once the turf is rooted and actively growing, mow for the first time. Set the mower one notch higher than your usual maintenance height. Never remove more than one third of the leaf in a single mow.
Week 3-4
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Stop weed seeds germinating in your new lawn. OxaFert covers weed prevention and fertilising in one application — ideal for new lawns.
Week 4-6
First fertilise. Once your lawn is fully established, apply a granular fertiliser to replenish nutrients and push healthy growth. If you're using the Premium Installation Pack, the liquid feed is included.
Avoid Heavy Use Until Fully Established
Minimise foot traffic on newly laid turf for the first 2-3 weeks. This allows roots to establish without disruption. Keep kids and pets off where possible until you've confirmed the lawn has rooted — the tug test is the most reliable check.
Common Questions
Installation FAQ
How long before I can walk on the new turf?
Avoid heavy foot traffic for the first 2-3 weeks. Light walking to check on the lawn is fine — just avoid anything that would stress or displace the turf before roots are established. Use the tug test at 10-14 days to check progress.
How long before I can mow?
Wait until the turf has clearly rooted — typically 2-3 weeks, confirmed by the tug test. When you do mow, set the blade higher than normal and never remove more than one third of the leaf in a single mow.
Do I need to water every day?
Yes, for the first 10 days. After that, reduce gradually based on soil moisture — every 2-3 days through to the end of the 28-day exemption period. The exemption allows daily watering free from normal Water Corporation restrictions for the first 28 days.
What is the best time of year to lay turf in Perth?
March to May (autumn) is the ideal window. Milder temperatures reduce watering pressure and give roots time to establish before summer. Spring installs face heat stress before roots are deep enough to cope. Read our autumn installation guide.
Can I lay turf myself or do I need a professional?
Most homeowners lay turf themselves successfully. The process is straightforward if the soil preparation is done correctly. If you'd prefer a professional install, our Preferred Installers can handle the full job. View Preferred Installers.
What happens if my turf doesn't establish?
In most cases, poor establishment comes down to insufficient watering or air pockets from inadequate rolling. If sections aren't rooting after 3 weeks, check for dry spots underneath and increase watering in those areas. Call our team and we can help diagnose the issue.
How much extra turf should I order?
Add 5% to your measured area as a minimum. For lawns with lots of curves, obstacles or irregular shapes, add 10%. It's always better to have a small amount left over than to run short mid-install with turf that may not be available for same-day top-up.
Do I need to use an installation pack?
You don't have to, but it's the easiest way to ensure you have the right products at the right time. The packs include the wetting agent, starter fertiliser and post-laying feed — exactly what's needed and sized to your lawn area. View installation packs.
Ready to Get Started?
Fresh Turf,
Delivered to Your Door.
All Lawn Doctor turf is AusGAP certified and cut fresh to order from our Gingin farm. Get a quote online, come in to our Wangara showroom, or call the team — we'll help you choose the right variety and get your order sorted.