An image of a person laying turf with the text overlayed reading "Common Mistakes When Laying Turf"

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Laying Turf (and How to Avoid Them)

February 25, 2025•3 min read

Avoid These Turf-Laying Mistakes for a Lush, Healthy Lawn

Laying new turf seems simple, but small mistakes can lead to patchy, unhealthy, or dying grass. Whether you’re tackling the job yourself or considering professional installation, knowing the top DIY turf-laying mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. Here’s what to watch out for—and why hiring a professional might be the best choice.

Poor Soil Preparation

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not properly preparing the soil before laying turf. Good soil preparation ensures strong root growth, proper drainage, and long-term turf health.

Common DIY errors include:

Skipping soil testing – Without testing, you won’t know if your soil has the right pH balance or nutrients.
Failing to remove weeds and old grass – Weeds can quickly overtake new turf if not cleared properly.
Not loosening compacted soil – Turf roots struggle to penetrate hard soil, leading to poor establishment.

How to Avoid It:

Remove weeds, rocks, and debris.
Loosen the topsoil and mix in organic matter.
Level the surface for even turf coverage.

Read our guide on how to prepare your yard for new turf.

A turf roller preparing the soil for laying turf by levelling the area.

Laying Turf on Uneven Ground

Many DIYers rush the leveling process, resulting in an uneven lawn with bumps, dips, and poor drainage areas. Uneven ground can lead to water pooling, root suffocation, and uneven turf growth.

How to Avoid It:

Rake and level the soil properly before laying turf.
Use a lawn roller to create a smooth, firm surface.
Check drainage by lightly watering the area and watching for pooling.

Not Watering Properly

Underwatering and overwatering are common DIY mistakes that lead to weak, unhealthy turf. Newly laid turf needs frequent but balanced watering to establish strong roots.

How to Avoid It:

Water immediately after laying the turf.
Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) for the first 2–3 weeks.
Water in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation.

A person watering their newly laid turf lawns.

Overlapping or Leaving Gaps Between Turf Rolls

Incorrect turf placement can cause uneven growth and visible seams. Homeowners often either overlap rolls, leading to raised sections, or leave gaps, which dry out and create bare patches.

How to Avoid It:

Lay turf in a staggered brick pattern to minimize visible seams.
Push edges tightly together without overlapping.
Use a roller to press the turf into the soil for better root contact.

Failing to Fertilise or Feed the New Lawn

New turf needs the right nutrients to grow strong. Many homeowners forget to fertilise, leading to weak roots and slow growth.

How to Avoid It:

Use a starter fertiliser when laying turf to encourage root development.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser after a few weeks to promote healthy growth.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers too soon, as they can cause excessive top growth without strong roots.

Walking on New Turf Too Soon

Newly laid turf is fragile, and walking on it too early disrupts root establishment. Foot traffic compacts the soil and damages delicate roots.

How to Avoid It:

Stay off the lawn for at least 2–3 weeks after installation.
If necessary, use planks or boards to distribute weight evenly when moving across the turf.

Choosing the Wrong Turf Variety

Not all turf is suitable for Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s climate. Homeowners often pick the wrong type of grass that struggles in their yard’s conditions.

How to Avoid It:

Choose a turf variety suited to Queensland’s warm climate, such as:

Buffalo – Drought-resistant and pet-friendly.
Couch – Ideal for sunny areas and high foot traffic.
Kikuyu – Fast-growing and excellent for large yards.
Bermuda – Great for heat resistance and durability.
Zoysia – Low-maintenance and slow-growing.

Read our guide to the best turf for Brisbane and Gold Coast yards.

Get Your Turf Installed Right—Book a Free Quote Today!

While DIY turf installation seems cost-effective, many homeowners end up spending more on repairs, replacement, and extra maintenance due to avoidable mistakes. At Yard Barbers, we provide professional turf installation, expert soil preparation, and high-quality turf varieties suited to Brisbane and the Gold Coast climate.

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