Laying new turf is one of the fastest ways to achieve a lush, green lawn — instantly transforming a tired outdoor space into a vibrant landscape. However, if you think it’s as simple as unrolling sod on bare soil, think again. One of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in the turf installation process is preparing your lawn before the turf supplier arrives.
In this guide, we’ll explore why lawn prep matters, what steps you should take before your turf is delivered, and how working with a trusted turf supplier like A View Turf can help you get the best results.
Why Lawn Preparation is Crucial Before Turf Delivery
Before the turf supplier arrives at your property, it’s vital to get your lawn ready. Think of it like painting — you wouldn’t apply paint to a dirty, cracked surface and expect great results. The same principle applies with turf.
Here are the key reasons lawn prep is essential:
1. Better Root Establishment
Proper soil preparation ensures your turf’s roots can easily penetrate the ground. Loose, nutrient-rich soil helps new grass establish quickly, creating a strong, healthy root system.
2. Reduces Risk of Turf Failure
Skipping soil prep or installing turf over compacted, rocky, or weed-infested soil can lead to patchy growth, turf dieback, or pest infestations. A smooth, clean surface lowers the chances of failure.
3. Improved Drainage
Prepping the soil helps correct drainage issues by levelling the ground and amending compacted soil. Poor drainage is one of the top reasons new turf fails.
4. Creates a Level, Professional-Looking Lawn
You don’t want lumps, bumps, or uneven turf edges. By levelling and grading your soil, you ensure your new lawn is not only healthy — but looks great too.
What Should You Do to Prep Your Lawn?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to properly prepare your lawn before your turf supplier — such as A View Turf — delivers your order:
Step 1: Measure and Order Correctly
Before you even break ground, make sure you accurately measure your lawn area. This helps avoid over-ordering or running out of turf mid-job. If you’re unsure, turf specialists like A View Turf can help you measure and recommend the right turf type and quantity.
Pro Tip: Always order about 5–10% more turf to account for cutting, curves, and edges.
Step 2: Clear the Site
Remove any existing grass, weeds, old turf, rocks, and debris. This step is essential because:
- Turf won’t take root if laid over weeds or existing lawn.
- Weeds can grow through the turf if not fully removed.
Use a glyphosate-based weed killer about two weeks before installation, or hire a turf cutter if replacing an existing lawn. Dig out and remove all old material down to at least 75–100 mm deep.
Step 3: Grade and Level the Soil
After clearing the area, it’s time to smooth out the surface. Use a rake, shovel, and levelling board to:
- Fill in low spots.
- Knock down high areas.
- Create a slight slope away from buildings to encourage proper drainage.
Avoid creating dips where water can pool — these areas can suffocate roots and lead to turf rot.
Step 4: Improve Soil Quality
This step often makes or breaks your turf’s success. Most Australian homes don’t have ideal soil for new turf, so soil amendment is often necessary.
Depending on your soil type:
- Clay soil: Add coarse sand and organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
- Sandy soil: Mix in loam or topsoil to retain moisture.
- Loamy soil: Usually suitable, but still worth refreshing with turf underlay.
A View Turf recommends laying at least 100 mm of premium turf underlay — a blend of sandy loam and compost — for best results.
Step 5: Compact and Level Again
Once you’ve added and amended your soil, it’s important to compact it lightly using a roller or by walking over it with flat shoes. This prevents air pockets and reduces future sinking. However, avoid compacting it too tightly — you still want roots to penetrate.
Use a rake to give a final level and fine-grade surface. This will ensure a smooth, even appearance once the turf is laid.
Step 6: Water the Soil
Moist soil provides the best environment for your turf’s roots. Water your prepared soil lightly the day before the turf arrives. It should be moist but not soggy.
Step 7: Set a Delivery Day and Be Ready
Now that your lawn is fully prepped, you’re ready to receive your turf. It’s important to:
- Schedule the delivery for early morning (especially in summer).
- Be ready to install the turf immediately after delivery.
- Have tools and people on hand for laying the turf efficiently.
Turf is a living plant — leaving it rolled up for more than a few hours, especially in hot weather, can cause heat damage or even kill the grass.
Can a Turf Supplier Help with Preparation?
Yes — and in fact, choosing the right turf supplier can make all the difference.
A trusted turf supplier like A View Turf not only provides high-quality turf, but can also offer:
- Soil testing advice to determine what amendments you need.
- Professional turf underlay and fertiliser recommendations.
- Delivery coordination to suit your schedule.
- Ongoing maintenance tips for the first few weeks.
Some suppliers also offer turf installation services or can connect you with reliable contractors to assist with lawn preparation and laying.
What Happens If You Don’t Prepare the Lawn?
Let’s be clear — skipping prep is not saving you time or money. Here’s what could go wrong:
1. Poor Root Growth
If the soil is compacted or lacks nutrients, turf roots will struggle to establish. This leads to dry patches, weak grass, and eventual die-off.
2. Weeds and Pests
Uncleared weeds or old lawn can quickly grow through new turf or attract pests, especially if the area hasn’t been treated or cleared properly.
3. Uneven Lawn
Skipping grading or levelling creates lumps and divots. These not only look unattractive but can also be a tripping hazard or cause drainage problems.
4. Wasted Investment
Turf is a financial investment. Failing to prep the ground risks all your effort and money going to waste when the turf fails to take.
Final Checklist: Prepping Your Lawn Before Turf Delivery
Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare your lawn efficiently:
✅ Measure lawn area and order enough turf
✅ Clear existing grass, weeds, and debris
✅ Grade and level the surface with proper drainage
✅ Improve soil with turf underlay or organic matter
✅ Compact lightly and rake smooth
✅ Water the soil 24 hours before delivery
✅ Schedule delivery early in the day
✅ Have tools and people ready for fast installation
Why Choose A View Turf?
A View Turf is one of the most reputable turf suppliers in Australia, offering:
- Premium turf varieties for all climates and lawn types.
- Expert support with preparation, delivery, and installation advice.
- Reliable delivery across Sydney and surrounding areas.
- High customer satisfaction backed by decades of experience.
Whether you’re laying a new lawn for your home, a commercial site, or a sports field, A View Turf ensures you get not just top-tier turf, but also the knowledge and support to make your lawn thrive.
Conclusion
So, should you prep your lawn before the turf supplier arrives? Absolutely — yes!
Prepping your lawn is not optional. It’s the foundation for your turf’s success, helping your new grass root deeply, grow evenly, and stay lush for years. Taking the time to remove weeds, level the ground, improve the soil, and water ahead of time will save you frustration — and money — down the line.
With the right preparation and the help of a trusted supplier like A View Turf, your lawn will go from bare to beautiful in no time.
