What Affects the Cost of Turf? A Guide for New Lawns

What a new lawn costs comes down to six things: the turf variety, the size of the area, site access, soil preparation, whether an old lawn needs removing, and whether you lay it yourself or have it professionally installed. At Southern Turf, we've been growing and supplying turf from our family farm in Bodalla for over 20 years. This guide walks through each factor so you know what drives the final number and how to get a quote that reflects your yard.

Key Takeaways

• Turf variety is the first cost driver. Kikuyu is the more affordable variety, and Palmetto Buffalo is the premium option.
• Soil preparation and removing an old lawn are usually the biggest unknowns in a new lawn's cost, which is why we cost site preparation site by site.
• Measure your lawn in square metres and add 5 to 10 per cent for trimming and edges. Our online turf calculator is a good starting point.
• Delivery is included in our custom quote, and we offer free quotes.
• Call Southern Turf on 0428 429 092.

1. Turf Variety: Kikuyu vs Palmetto Buffalo

The turf variety you choose is one of the first things that changes what your new lawn costs. We grow two varieties at Southern Turf, and they suit different yards and budgets.

• Kikuyu is the more affordable variety and the most cost-effective option for large areas. It's tough, fast-growing and handles heavy foot traffic and full sun, which makes it ideal for big family backyards and play areas.
• Palmetto Buffalo is the premium option. It's a softer, finer-leafed turf with excellent shade and salt tolerance, and it's the one we recommend most for front yards, courtyards and anywhere appearance matters.

The cheapest turf isn't always the cheapest lawn. Putting Kikuyu in heavy shade, for example, usually leads to thinning and patching that wipes out any upfront saving. A simple rule: full sun, heavy use and a tight budget points to Kikuyu, while shade, a feature lawn or a softer finish points to Palmetto Buffalo.

2. How Much Turf Do You Actually Need?

The size of your lawn directly drives what it costs, because more square metres means more turf to grow, deliver and lay. Getting the measurement right also means you don't pay for turf you don't need.

• Measure the length and width of each lawn area in metres.
• Multiply them to get the square metres for each area, then add the areas together.
• Break curved or odd shapes into simple rectangles rather than guessing.
• Add 5 to 10 per cent for trimming around garden beds, paths and edges.

Lawns with lots of curves create more offcuts and take longer to lay than simple rectangles. Our turf calculator gives you a quick estimate. If your block is sloping or awkward, we'll measure it for you for free.

3. Site Access and How It Changes Turf Laying Costs

Site access affects how long a lawn takes to lay, so it affects the cost of installation. Easy access means turf can be unloaded close to where it's going and laid quickly.

Some common access challenges we see across Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma and Bermagui:

• steep driveways
• narrow side paths
• steps up to raised yards or decks
• backyards you can only reach through the garage or house.

Poor access can mean carrying rolls by hand or by wheelbarrow, which adds labour time.

4. Soil Preparation and Ground Condition

Soil preparation is often the biggest variable in what a new lawn costs. A healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn, and the amount of work your ground needs varies a lot from block to block.

Preparation can include:

• removing weeds and levelling the ground
• loosening compacted soil
• enriching the soil with organic matter and starter fertiliser
• bringing in premium topsoil if the existing soil is poor
• working gypsum into heavy clay to improve drainage, or adding organic matter to sandy soil.

Sandy soils near the coast and along river flats, and heavier clay soils inland and on ridgelines, each need different treatment. We cost site preparation site by site after a free inspection, because it's impossible to price fairly without seeing the ground. Good preparation pays for itself through faster establishment, better drainage and fewer bare patches.

5. Removing an Old Lawn or Weeds Before Laying Turf

Removing an old lawn adds to the cost of a new one, but skipping it usually costs more in the long run. Many jobs on the South Coast replace a tired, weedy lawn rather than starting from bare ground.

Proper removal means clearing out the old grass, weeds and root layer before preparing the soil. Laying new turf straight over old grass tends to lead to regrowth, uneven levels and a lawn that looks worse within months. This matters especially for Palmetto Buffalo, which can be invaded by aggressive grasses if the old turf isn't fully removed.

If you're doing the work yourself, allow enough time to clear the area completely before your turf arrives. If you'd like it done for you, we can include it when we quote.

6. Delivery Distance and Logistics

Delivery logistics still matter, because turf is heavy and perishable.

• Cut fresh to order: rolls are cut fresh on the morning of dispatch from our Bodalla farm.
• Wide delivery area: we deliver across Eurobodalla, the Shoalhaven and the Bega Valley, from Ulladulla and Milton through Batemans Bay and Narooma to Bega, Merimbula and Eden.
• Farm pickup: you can collect turf from our farm by appointment, which suits smaller jobs and local contractors.

Whichever way you get it, lay your turf as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of delivery. Turf is a living plant and deteriorates if it sits rolled up, especially in hot weather, so have your soil ready before delivery day.

7. DIY vs Professional Turf Laying

Laying turf yourself saves on labour, while professional installation saves time and avoids costly mistakes. Which is better value depends on your yard and how much time and energy you have.

• DIY suits small, flat lawns with easy access. Expect it to take several weekends of hard physical work, and know that results can be mixed if the soil preparation isn't right.
• Professional installation suits larger or sloping blocks, tricky access and complex shapes. Most lawns can be installed in a day, with tight seams, proper watering and even root contact for quick establishment.

8. Instant Turf vs Artificial Grass: Cost and Upkeep

Natural turf and artificial grass cost money in different ways. Artificial grass usually costs more upfront and needs specialist base preparation, while natural turf costs less to install but needs ongoing mowing, watering and feeding.

• Upfront cost: natural turf is generally cheaper to supply and lay.
• Maintenance: natural turf needs mowing, watering and fertilising. Artificial grass needs brushing and cleaning, especially with pets.
• Comfort: a living lawn stays cooler underfoot in summer. Synthetic surfaces can get hot in direct sun.
• Repairs: damaged natural turf can repair itself or be patched with fresh rolls.

We grow and supply natural turf only. Many South Coast families choose it for a cool, soft surface that kids and pets can enjoy.

9. Ongoing Lawn Care and Maintenance Costs

The upfront cost is only part of what a lawn costs over its life. Mowing, watering and fertilising all add up, and the variety you choose affects how much of each you'll need.

• Mowing: Kikuyu grows faster, especially in summer, so it needs more regular mowing. Palmetto Buffalo grows more slowly and stays neat with less effort.
• Watering: new turf needs a daily drink for the first week, then less as the roots take hold. After that, deep watering twice a week is better than daily light watering.
• Fertilising: feed in spring and autumn with a quality slow-release fertiliser.

Good soil preparation at the start reduces later spending on topdressing, weed control and drainage fixes. If keeping upkeep down is a priority, read our guide on choosing turf for a low-maintenance backyard.

Choosing a supplier who gives straight advice matters as much as the price per square metre. Our article on why choosing the right turf supplier makes all the difference explains what to look for. Call us on 0428 429 092 for a free quote and honest advice from a local grower.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turf Costs

Does Southern Turf charge extra for delivery?

No separate delivery fee is added on the day. We include delivery in your custom quote, taking distance and access into account when we prepare it.

Can I pick up turf from the farm?

Yes. You can collect turf from our Bodalla farm by appointment, which suits smaller jobs and local contractors. Have your soil fully prepared first so you can lay the turf as soon as you get it home.

Is Kikuyu always the cheapest option?

Kikuyu is the more affordable variety per square metre and suits many sunny, high-use lawns. It isn't the right choice for shaded yards, though. There, Palmetto Buffalo may cost more upfront but saves you from patching or replacing a struggling lawn later.

How soon does turf need to be laid after delivery?

Lay turf as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of delivery. Turf is a living plant, and if it isn't laid in time you may notice it deteriorating, especially in hot weather. Finish your soil preparation and edging before delivery day.

How do I get an accurate quote?

Call us or book a free on-site measure. We'll recommend the right variety and give you a quote that includes delivery. Call Southern Turf on 0428 429 092 to get started.