Learning how to install turf is crucial if you plan to lay a new lawn at home. There are numerous steps to keep in mind, starting with soil preparation, and running all the way through to post-installation maintenance.
In this article, we explain the approach our turf installers follow to lay turf in Western Australia. We provide you with all the information you need to know about the process and introduce you to the turf varieties best suited for growing in Perth. We also cover the best practices to help you create and maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the year.
Understanding the Basics of Professional Turf Installation
There’s a lot to think about before installing turf in your backyard. Below are the basics of professional turf installation, followed by the step-by-step process and post-installation maintenance tips that you need to consider to keep your lawn looking great no matter the season:
Types of Turf
When considering how to install turf, your first step is to determine the type of turf you will use. Your choice of turf should consider both your climate and your lifestyle. Numerous options are available to Western Australian homeowners, including:
Palmetto Soft Leaf Buffalo is a soft leaf, low allergy and low-maintenance turf with excellent shade tolerance and drought resistance.
Sir Walter Buffalo Soft Leaf Buffalo is well suited to the Western Australian environment and is kid and pet-friendly underfoot.
Village Green Premium Kikuyu is developed specifically for Australian conditions, maintaining its vibrant colour and dense coverage throughout the year. It is resilient and suitable for high-traffic areas.
Winter Green Couch is also a good option for the Western Australian climate, being sun-loving and drought-tolerant.
Soil Preparation
Several steps must be taken before our turf installers lay down your chosen turf. Plants, weeds and other debris need to be removed. We then rotovate the soil (in some cases), take steps to improve the soil quality and lay down any required reticulation. Our expert installers will then level the soil before laying the turf.
Measuring and Ordering
There’s nothing worse than running short on materials before a project is complete. On the other hand, we don’t want to be left with excess either. That’s why a crucial step of the turf installation process is measuring and ordering the correct amount of turf before commencing. Thankfully, the Looking Good Landscaping team has decades of experience and we will gladly measure your garden, ensuring you receive the exact amount of turf required.
Key Considerations for a Flawless Installation
So, how do you achieve a flawless turf installation? Here are some things to maximise your chances of a successful installation:
Timing: What’s the Best Time of Year?
While turf can be laid at all times of the year, the time of the year determines how quickly it settles in and sends down roots. Spring and Autumn tend to lead to turf settling the quickest.
Irrigation/Reticulation
There’s little point in installing new turf if you don’t have a system for watering it, so irrigation is important to consider. At Looking Good Landscaping, we help our clients with irrigation & reticulation systems that last for years, making it a valuable investment from the outset. We employ water-wise irrigation principles to create a system that achieves maximum results with the minimum amount of water, perfect for the WA’s relatively dry climate.
Lawn Fertilisation
The process of fertilisation incorporates crucial nutrients into the soil. Over time, your turf will lose some of its key nutrients, but fertiliser replenishes these nutrients and helps to keep your grass healthy, lush, and green. Though it’s often seen as a helpful addition, the truth is that fertiliser is as crucial to your turf as sunshine and water.
Our Installation Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now you understand the different considerations, here’s how our turf installers set about their work:
Laying the Turf
When the soil has been prepared, we install your chosen reticulation system. We then carefully lay the turf variety you have chosen, easing the turf into position and ensuring it’s fixed in place.
Compacting and Watering
We then use a compactor, methodically working up and down the turf to bed it into place. This is key to flattening the surface and will prevent bumps across the lawn. We finish the installation process with watering and instruct you on how to correctly use your reticulation system.
Post-Installation Care and Maintenance
After going to the expense of laying a new lawn, you need to make sure you look after it by following these post-installation tips:
Mowing
Mowing your lawn is key to keeping it in good shape. We recommend mowing your lawn once every week during the spring when growth is at its peak. You can adjust your mowing schedule throughout the year simply by looking at your lawn and noticing when it is longer than you would like. Make sure you mow your lawn evenly in straight lines to cut it equally and to help the lawn retain its look and shape.
Watering Schedule
Developing a watering schedule is another post-installation priority. In Western Australia, if it doesn’t rain, you should water your lawn 2-3 times per week during the summer if possible. We will advise you on the best watering practices when installing your reticulation system. A regular application of a good wetting agent is a must.
Dealing with Pests and Weeds
Make sure you weed your lawn from time to time. Preferably, this means manually pulling weeds and using eco-friendly weeding products. Organic pesticides are another option available to keep insects and other pests at bay in your garden. Avoid using chemical-laden products, which risk harming the biodiversity of your garden.
Contact Us for Turf Installation Services
Are you ready to take your garden to the next level? Contact the turf installation experts at Looking Good Landscaping to book a free consultation and install turf that you can be proud of. Established in 1997, we have been providing exceptional garden care services to Perth homeowners ever since.
Call us today on (08) 9524 1999 for a no-obligation quote or if you have any questions about our turf installation process.