How to prepare backyard for laying turf?

[Oscar13]

My first post here.. Was looking forward to joining the community

We bought our first home and I have started with my priority projects for the backyard. It came with an existing lawn (couch) and it is pretty dried and patchy, after 3 months it started to turn green but 50% of the lawn never came back to life. A lot of trips to Bunnings helped me work with it, but finally they said that , looks like the lawn is dead. So, I decided to strip it off all out. I am the process of clearing smaller roots now. My question is regarding the soil and my turn choice. I am planning to go with tiftuf bermuda. In regards with the soil, how much of soil height will I need to add, considering there was a lawn already growing in it. I am looking to level the yard as there are many places where there were bumps and dips . I do have some remaining Daisy's Organic Mix that I used for my new garden beds, wondering if I can use that.. But, at the same time, I also think that I am spending good $$ for the lawn, and if I do not use the proper top soil, it might not help the lawn. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oscar13,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Seeing your soil, it doesn't look too bad, and it is likely a fairly decent foundation for turf growth already. However, since it’s been through some dieback and patchiness, the top layer may be compacted or uneven. Before adding any new soil, it’s best to loosen the surface slightly using a garden fork or rotary hoe to help the new layer bond with the old soil rather than sit on top of it like a separate layer. This helps with drainage and ensures the turf roots can grow deeply into the base.

For the new topsoil, aim to add around 50 to 100 millimetres over the existing surface, depending on how uneven your yard is. The goal is to fill dips and smooth out bumps while improving soil quality. TifTuf Bermuda performs best in a free-draining sandy loam soil, so it’s worth investing in a good-quality turf underlay or topdressing mix designed specifically for lawns like this Scotts Lawn Builder Organic Lawn Soil Topdress & Underlay. These mixes usually contain about 80% sand and 20% loam, providing excellent drainage and nutrient retention. When buying large quantities of soil, it is usually more economical to special order a bulk bag of soil. Our bulk soil suppliers are regional, so it would be best to speak to your local store's Special Orders team as they will be able to advise what is available locally, get you a price and organise delivery.

If the product you have mentioned is a garden soil mix, it will usually be a bit too rich and moisture-retentive for turf if used alone. However, you could blend a small amount—roughly 10–20%—into your turf underlay mix to add some organic content without compromising drainage. This will help feed the young grass as it establishes while keeping the soil light and airy. If it contains any large sticks or bark, you will want to sift this out before adding it.

Once you’ve spread and levelled the new topsoil, lightly compact it, water the area, and lay your TifTuf turf in a brick-like pattern with tight seams. Check out How To Lay Turf and Turf Installation and Initial Care - Best Practice Guidelines from our supplier Lawn Solutions Australia for some guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Oscar13]

Thanks for getting back @JacobZ , sorry could not reply earlier. I have dug up the old soil in the last week, getting to the remains of any older root systems . In the process of rough levelling the same now, and based on that will order in the new top soil. Would it make sense to remove some old soil to make place for the new one ? current soil already sits 50mm below concrete paths.. 

Planning for irrigation also while I am it. Will post photos once completed.. Thanks for your advice once again

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Oscar13,

That soil actually looks very nice and should be perfectly suitable for laying your turf straight over. There’s no real need to add 50 mm of topsoil unless the existing soil is poor or compacted. Yours looks to be in good condition and well-prepared.

In answer to your question, if you do decide to add some new soil to help with levelling, it’s best to remove a bit of the existing material first so your finished turf surface sits flush with the concrete edges rather than above them. This will keep things neat and prevent water from running onto your paths.

You’re making great progress and the preparation work you’ve done will really help your new lawn establish quickly. Looking forward to seeing your results!

Mitchell

[EricL]

Hello @Oscar13 

It appears that your soil still looks to be in good condition as Jacob mentioned. I don't think its necessary to remove the surface soil and just have the new soil placed over the old one. It will make a nice foundation for the new turf and after some time, the soil will eventually settle down to its natural level. My best advice is to remember to place a fall on the soil surface so that rainwater does not pool in the middle of your lawn.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Oscar13]

Awesome.. Thanks team.. that makes me feel more confident with the work now. Any tips on how to level it ? I am currently struggling with all those pegs and string level.. I have ordered an levelling rack, will see how it goes with that by just eye balling it 

[MitchellMc]

Have you tried using a line level to make sure your lines are perfectly level @Oscar13? It can make things a lot easier than relying just on eye-balling.

The levelling rake will make the job much easier.

Mitchell

[Oscar13]

Hello Mitchell.. Apologies for the delayed reply.. Yes, I did try to level the soil again with a rake and it did turn out good.. here is what it looked after

T

The lawn arrived on Saturday and I managed to lay it down by noon. 

I found that soil was fallen off from the lawn sheets and I did not go ahead and backfilled that when laying it.. not sure if that will become a issue later on, as I do see some uneven spots now, even though my soil level did not have any.. Wondering what my options are  ? should i lift them and fill the spots with a lawn mix ? or wait 2-4 weeks and then top dress and level the yard ? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oscar13,

At this point, with the turf already in place, you are probably best to just leave the turf and manage any unevenness by topdressing later on. Regardless of how much effort you put in now, there's always going to be some minor issues to address, so I'd just focus on getting those roots established and managing things if they arise later.

Keep up the watering over the next 4 weeks and then reassess. You've done a great job up to this point, so I am sure you will continue to do so as things establish.

Keep us in the loop.

Jacob

[Oscar13]

Thanks @JacobZ , Just hoping that my investment does not go to waste with all those $$ and time I spent on this one.. fingers crossed.. so far they are looking good..