When it comes to site preparation for new turf, many landscapers and websites suggest using 100mm of underturf soil. However, in most cases, this is unnecessary and can lead to extra costs. At Turfman Brisbane, we’ve prepared hundreds of residential lawns and have found that most homes only need 30-60mm of underturf soil to achieve healthy, thriving turf.
By properly assessing each site, we ensure that homeowners save money and time while achieving a professional-quality lawn—something that DIY turfing often struggles to match. Here’s what you need to know about site preparation and how much soil is actually required.
Why the Right Amount of Underturf Soil Matters
Using the correct amount of underturf soil is essential for healthy root development and overall lawn performance. Too much soil can lead to unnecessary expenses, while too little can affect the turf’s ability to establish itself properly. The right balance depends on factors such as:
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Existing soil quality – Some properties already have nutrient-rich soil and require minimal additional underturf soil.
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Soil type – Clay-based soil often requires more underturf soil to improve drainage and root penetration.
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Turf variety – Certain premium turfs, like Sir Grange Zoysia, require near-perfect leveling to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Assessing Your Site: How Much Underturf Soil Do You Really Need?
At Turfman Brisbane, we conduct on-site inspections before recommending how much underturf soil is actually necessary. Here’s a general guide based on our experience:
✅ 30-40mm Underturf Soil – Suitable for properties with good topsoil that already supports plant growth.
✅ 50-60mm Underturf Soil – Recommended for areas with poor or compacted soil that need slight improvement.
✅ 80-100mm Underturf Soil – Only needed for extremely poor soil conditions, such as heavy clay or rocky ground.
By adjusting the amount of underturf soil, we ensure your lawn gets optimal growing conditions without unnecessary costs.
Why DIY Site Preparation Often Falls Short
Many homeowners attempt DIY turf installation, but achieving a level and well-prepared surface can be difficult without professional tools and experience. This is especially important for premium turf varieties like Sir Grange Zoysia, which requires precise leveling to achieve a flawless look.
Common DIY mistakes include:
❌ Adding too much soil, leading to excessive costs and uneven compaction.
❌ Not using the right soil type, which affects turf growth and drainage.
❌ Failing to level the site correctly, resulting in an uneven lawn appearance.
By choosing Turfman Brisbane, you get a professionally prepared site, ensuring your turf looks neat, even, and healthy from day one.
The Turfman Brisbane Advantage
✔ Expert Site Inspections – We assess each project to determine the right amount of underturf soil needed.
✔ Cost Savings – We help homeowners avoid unnecessary expenses by using only the required soil.
✔ Precision Leveling – Especially important for premium turfs like Sir Grange Zoysia.
✔ Faster, Healthier Turf Establishment – A properly prepared site ensures your lawn grows strong and evenly.
If you’re planning to install new turf, don’t rely on generic recommendations—let Turfman Brisbane inspect your site and provide a custom solution tailored to your soil conditions.
Get a Free Site Inspection Today!
Before you spend extra on underturf soil, let the experts at Turfman Brisbane evaluate your site and recommend the perfect solution. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and ensure your lawn gets the best start possible!
📞 Call us at 07 3088 7992
🌐 Visit Turfman.com.au