A lush, green lawn is the pride of any Australian garden. Whether you're designing a new outdoor space or revitalising an existing one, a roll-on lawn offers a quick and efficient solution to achieve that vibrant look. Unlike traditional seeding methods, roll-on lawns provide instant results. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about roll-on lawns and how they can transform your garden.
What Is a Roll-On Lawn?
Roll-on lawns, also known as turf or sod, consists of pre-grown grass that is cut into squares or rolls for easy installation. It is grown by experts under optimal conditions and is ready to thrive in your garden from day one. This method significantly reduces the waiting time usually associated with sowing seeds and nurturing young grass plants.
Benefits of Choosing a Roll-On Lawn
One of the main advantages of a roll-on lawn is the instant gratification it provides. Within hours of laying it down, your garden can go from bare soil to a lush green oasis. This quick transformation makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces without delay.
Another benefit is its resilience. Roll-on lawns are cultivated from high-quality grass varieties selected for their durability and ability to withstand various climate conditions across Australia. This means that once established, your new lawn will be more drought-tolerant and require less maintenance than seeded lawns.
Roll-on lawns also offer better weed control compared to traditional seeding methods. Since the grass comes densely packed together, there's less room for weeds to take root and spread throughout your garden.
How to Install Your Roll-On Lawn
The first step in installing a roll-on lawn is preparing the soil. Start by clearing away any debris or old vegetation and tilling the ground to ensure it's loose and aerated. Level out the soil with a rake, aiming for a smooth surface free from lumps or dips.
Next, water the soil lightly before laying down your rolls of turf. Begin at one edge of your garden and lay each roll snugly against the next, ensuring there are no gaps between them. Stagger the joints like bricks in wall construction for added strength and stability.
After all pieces are laid out, give your new lawn a generous watering to help settle it into place and encourage root growth.
Caring for Your New Lawn
Once installed, proper care is essential for helping your roll-on lawn establish itself quickly. Water regularly during the first few weeks after installation—ideally early mornings—to keep moisture levels consistent without causing over-saturation.
Avoid heavy foot traffic until roots have firmly anchored into the soil—typically around three weeks post-installation—which will allow time for healthy growth development beneath the surface.
Mowing should only commence once your turf has established itself properly; this is generally when blades reach about 5-7 cm in height. Keep mower settings high initially so as not to shock young grasses by cutting too much off at once.
Consult with a supplier like Perth Turf Supplies to learn more about getting a roll-on lawn for your garden.