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Natural Grass — a completed example
Typical pricing below

Natural Grass

Natural grass is a live lawn established either from rolled turf or from seed, including hydroseeding for larger areas. It requires soil preparation, levelling and an establishment watering period before the lawn can be treated as a normal, walkable surface. It suits properties wanting a living, cooling surface with a root system that improves the soil underneath it over time, rather than a synthetic surface laid over a hard base.

Pricing guide: How much does natural grass turfing cost?

Typically $12 to $25 per square metre supplied and laid for turf rolls, depending on turf variety and how much soil preparation the site needs. Seeding or hydroseeding is generally cheaper per square metre but takes longer to establish.

Why homeowners choose it

  • Establishes a living root system that improves drainage and soil condition over time
  • Turf rolls give a walkable lawn within days, rather than weeks for seed
  • Stays noticeably cooler underfoot than synthetic turf in summer
  • Can be renovated, top-dressed and repaired indefinitely rather than replaced
  • Generally the lower-cost option per square metre for large open areas

How it works

  1. 1
    Site preparation

    Existing grass, weeds and debris are cleared and the soil is tested and cultivated.

  2. 2
    Levelling & soil prep

    Soil is graded to fall away from structures and amended with organic matter where needed.

  3. 3
    Turf laying or seeding

    Turf rolls are laid tightly jointed and rolled, or the area is seeded or hydroseeded.

  4. 4
    Establishment watering

    Frequent watering keeps the root zone moist while the turf or seed knits into the soil beneath it.

  5. 5
    First mow & handover

    Once the lawn is rooted in, it's mowed for the first time and handed over for normal care.

Hiring guide

Questions worth asking before you commit to a contractor.

Are they licensed and insured for this work?

Ask to see it, not just take their word for it. Insurance protects your property if something goes wrong on site.

What exactly is included in the price?

Site preparation, disposal of old material, and any council permits can be included or charged separately — get it in writing before you compare quotes.

Who will actually be on site?

Some contractors do the work themselves; others subcontract parts of it. Neither is wrong, but you should know who is doing your job.

What happens if something unexpected turns up?

Old concrete, tree roots or drainage issues are common surprises. Ask how a change of scope gets costed before it happens, not after.

What is the warranty on the work?

Materials usually carry a manufacturer's warranty. Ask specifically about the contractor's own workmanship warranty too.

More guides and advice

Frequently asked questions

How much does natural grass turfing cost?

Typically $12 to $25 per square metre supplied and laid for turf rolls, depending on turf variety and how much soil preparation the site needs. Seeding or hydroseeding is generally cheaper per square metre but takes longer to establish.

How long before I can walk on new turf?

Rolled turf can usually take light foot traffic within two to three weeks. Seeded lawn needs longer, often six to eight weeks, before regular use.

What's the best time of year to lay turf in Victoria?

Autumn and spring give the most reliable results, with mild temperatures and more consistent rainfall reducing the watering burden during establishment.

How much watering does new lawn need?

New turf typically needs daily watering for the first one to two weeks, tapering off as roots establish. Seeded areas need to be kept consistently moist for longer.

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