Sod It! The Ultimate Guide to Laying a New Lawn

Things to Consider for Your Lawn 
 

Why Did Your Present Lawn Fail? 

First things first, let's figure out why your old lawn didn't make the cut. This will help you choose the right grass for your new lawn. 

• Wear and Tear: Kids, pets, and backyard games can be tough on certain types of grass. 

• Maturing Garden: As your garden grows, it might be stealing sunlight, water, and nutrients from your lawn. 

• Neglect: Forgetting to feed, water, and weed can lead to lawn failure. 

Understanding Your Site & Needs 

Knowing your yard's conditions and what you need from your lawn is crucial. 

• Aspect: Is your lawn sunny, shady, or a mix? 

• Soil: Heavy clay or sandy soil? You might need to amend it for the best results. 

• Rainfall: Pick a grass type that suits your local climate. 

• Use: Will it be a showpiece lawn or a play area? 

 

Seed or Instant Turf? 

Decide between sowing seeds or laying turf rolls. 

• Seeded Lawn: Cheaper but needs more care and time to establish. 

• Instant Turf: Quick and easy but more expensive. Ready to use in a week. 

Top Tip: For clay soil, add gypsum and river sand. For sandy soil, mix in soil wetter and topdress mix to improve structure and moisture retention. 
 

Choosing the Right Grass Type 

Do some homework on grass varieties that work well in your area. Here are some loved options by Aussie lawn owners: 

Buffalo Grass 

• Popular and great at self-repair. 

• Ideal for high-use areas like play zones or active backyards. 

• Good drought tolerance and retains colour well in winter. 

• Varieties: ‘Sir Walter’, ‘Palmetto’, ‘Sapphire’ (tolerates cold down to -10˚C), ‘Velvet’ (one of the best for wear and tear). 
   

Kikuyu Grass 

• Budget-friendly and fast-growing, making it great for large areas. 

• Excellent at self-repair but needs regular mowing to keep in check. 

• Quite drought hardy but low shade tolerance. 

• Can become invasive if not properly confined. 

• Varieties: ‘Village Green’, ‘Kenda’ (modern sterile types). 
   

Couch Grass 

• An ‘old-fashioned’ turf with fine blades for a formal look. 

• Hard-wearing but prefers full sun, low to high maintenance depending on variety. 

• Needs annual top-dressing to stay healthy. 

• ‘Santa Ana’ is the best-looking variety but can spread into garden beds if not controlled. 
   

Queensland Blue Grass 

• Resembles couch but isn’t related. 

• Excellent for warm, humid, and coastal areas. 

• Tolerates both dry and wet conditions well. 

• Easier to mow and maintain compared to true couch grasses. 

• Doesn’t do well in shaded areas. 
   

Zoysia Grass 

• Lesser-known but slowly gaining popularity amongst Aussie lawn owners because it is an excellent, easy to care for option with medium-fine blades. 

• Thrives in various conditions, including high heat and humidity. 

• Very low water and maintenance needs once established. 

• Native variety ‘Nara’ is perfect for coastal and warm climates, with excellent salt and drought tolerance. 

Top Tip: Make a list of your soil type, light conditions, and lawn needs, then discuss it with a turf supplier.