When you drive through Sydney’s suburbs and see those perfectly green lawns, you might think turf laying is dead simple. Just unroll, water, done—right? If only. I’ve lost count of how many mates (and a few neighbours) have rushed it, only to end up with brown edges and patchy spots before the next school holidays. Turf laying in Sydney isn’t a quick fix, and it’s not just about picking whatever grass looks best in the nursery.
Truth is, getting that picture-perfect finish often comes down to the groundwork—literally. Soil prep, timing, and matching the turf to your patch of dirt matter more than most realise. Some folks call in professional turf laying services for this reason alone, and honestly, I get it. I learned that the hard way when I first laid turf for my own backyard in the Inner West. The lawn looked magical for about two weeks. By week three, the corners started yellowing. Turns out, I’d ignored the soil (and the local advice).
Let’s talk brass tacks: what it’ll cost, how to dodge the classic mistakes, and why getting the basics right pays off for years.
What does turf laying cost in Sydney?
Everyone wants a rough number. Trouble is, there’s no single answer—cost swings wildly depending on yard size, prep needed, and your choice of turf. But if you just want a ballpark, here’s what most Sydney homeowners are looking at:
Turf supply: Expect to pay between $6 and $14 per square metre. Cheaper for couch and kikuyu, more for premium buffalo varieties.
Site prep: This bit’s often skipped but shouldn’t be—budget $5–$12 per square metre for removing weeds, fixing up the soil, and getting everything level. If your soil’s clay-heavy (hello, Western Sydney), you’ll want to factor in extra for sand or loam.
Labour: If you get pros in, it’ll run another $5–$10 per square metre. Laying turf yourself? Save some cash, but bring a mate and clear your weekend.
Irrigation systems: Not essential, but if you want set-and-forget watering, it’ll add $800–$2,500, depending on your setup.
To put that in perspective, a small 50m² backyard could easily set you back anywhere from $800 to $2,000, before ongoing costs like mowing, watering, or fertiliser.
A quick aside—if you’re in the west, definitely check your soil before laying turf. I’ve seen plenty of lawns bogged down by heavy clay, struggling after a week of rain. You’ll want to break it up and mix in sand, or you’re asking for drainage headaches.
Picking the right turf
It’s tempting to pick turf that just feels nice underfoot or looks lush at the shop. Been there. Years back, I chose a soft buffalo because the demo patch was gorgeous. Didn’t think about my spot copping all-day sun. By Christmas, the edges had cooked.
In Sydney, you’ve got a few solid turf options, each with its own quirks:
Kikuyu: Nearly unkillable. Loves sun, handles kids and dogs, but needs regular mowing. Gets wild if you let it.
Sir Walter Buffalo: Soft, handles some shade, and copes well with allergies. Good all-rounder.
Zoysia: Slower growing, dense, and tidy. If you hate mowing, this is for you.
Couch: The budget choice. Thrives in full sun, but spreads like mad and needs a bit more TLC.
Not sure what’ll work? Do yourself a favour—don’t just ask at Bunnings. Talk to a local turf supplier who knows Sydney’s microclimates. They’ll match your yard’s light, soil, and traffic needs to the right grass.
NSW Government resources on selecting turf varieties for local conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid killing your new turf
Most turf fails come down to skipping steps or rushing. The main traps I’ve seen—some of which I’ve fallen into myself:
Ignoring soil prep: Compact, dry, or weedy soil = weak roots and patchy turf. It’s boring but critical.
Laying turf over old grass or weeds: You can’t just cover up what’s underneath. It’ll rot, stink, and mess with your new lawn.
Bad watering habits: Too much water and you’ll rot the roots. Too little and the grass crisps up. That first month, you need consistency—ideally early in the morning.
Planting at the wrong time: Turfing in the middle of summer is brutal—your lawn will struggle unless you’re on top of watering. Winter’s not ideal either; autumn and spring give the best results.
Loose-fitting rolls: Any gaps between strips dry out fast. Lay them tight, like tiles.
Turf care after installation (first month is critical)
This is where a lot of people drop the ball. Your turf’s only as good as the care you give it after laying:
First 2 weeks: Water every morning—keep it damp, but don’t drown it.
Weeks 3–4: Dial it back to 2–3 times a week, depending on the weather.
First mow: Don’t even think about mowing until the grass is at least 5cm high and you can’t pull up the edges.
After that: Fortnightly mowing during the growing season, and slow-release fertiliser every few months.
I swear by using a soil pH kit. Sydney soils can swing acidic, especially near the coast. Turf loves a pH between 6 and 7. If yours is off, lime or sulphur can help balance things out.
Good landscaping helps your lawn last
A patch of turf isn’t much on its own. If you ignore shade, water runoff, and traffic, you’ll be patching bare spots all year. The best lawns I’ve seen are always part of a bigger plan—good landscape design makes all the difference. Think about it:
Plant trees that offer summer shade but let in winter sun.
Install edging to keep grass from invading garden beds.
Divert stormwater so your lawn doesn’t turn into a swamp.
Add stepping stones or mulch paths where people walk the most.
Is turf right for your Sydney yard?
Turf isn’t a magic fix. Get the prep and care right, and you’ll have a lawn that stands up to Sydney’s wild weather, BBQs, and the occasional backyard cricket game. Rush it, and you’ll be cursing brown patches before long.
If you want instant results (and don’t mind the effort), it’s hard to beat. If you’d rather skip the sweat, there are turf laying pros who’ll handle everything—soil, laying, and even that all-important first mow.
Either way, take your time with prep, match the turf to your conditions, and remember: a good lawn is only as strong as what’s underneath.
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