First time lawn layer seeks green fingered grass master

[Leith]

Hi everyone! So, I am attempting to lay my first ever lawn and I need some pointers so I dont end up with a patchy desert! 

Our soil is pretty bad, very clay-y, I've dug it up best I can and broken up as many of the big lumps as my poor arms could take.

I know I need 50-100 mil of top soil, but I had 3 Qs...

1. How much do I mix the top soil in with the clay - or does it just sit on top

2. What kind of turf is best - something sturdy that can handle shade - we have a lot trees above

3. Under soil irrigation - do I need it, or can I get away with giving it a good soaking over the summer months!

Thank you legends for any tips, tricks or support

Leith

- pic attached

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Leith. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about laying a lawn.

The topsoil shouldn’t be mixed directly with the clay. Instead, you want to apply about 100mm of topsoil on top of the clay, as this will provide a fertile layer for the grass roots to grow in. While you shouldn't mix the topsoil with the clay, if your clay is particularly heavy or compacted, you can add some extra organic material or soil to improve its structure, which will help with drainage and root penetration. 

Buffalo grass would be a great choice for your lawn. It’s sturdy, tolerates some shade, and thrives in various conditions. However, keep in mind that while it can handle some shade, it still needs sunlight during the day and doesn’t do well in full shade. 

As for irrigation, while you can manually water your lawn or use a sprinkler, under-soil irrigation or pop-up systems are a good investment for the long term. They’ll save you time and make watering more efficient, especially during the summer months. While hand watering is possible, it can become a daily task in peak summer, so an irrigation system would make your life much easier and ensure consistent watering for the grass.

I'd recommend speaking with our Special Orders team in-store to find out what bulk soils we can deliver directly to your door. 

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to lay turf.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Leith]

Thanks @MitchellMc - much appreciated.

So, the 'organic material or soil' you mention is different from top soil?

And that stuff you DO mix in?

Cheers

the link to the top soil you in isn't working for me btw

[MitchellMc]

Yes, I'd turn over the top 50mm of the layer of clay and mix the garden soil in @Leith. Garden soil is typically a more budget-friendly soil. Save the good topsoil for the roots to grow in.

I've fixed that link to a topsoil bag, but obviously, you'll be going for bulk mixes through Special Orders as they are far more budget-friendly than buying per bag; you'd need hundreds of bags worth.

Mitchell

[Herrenovacation]

Welcome @Leith 

Some great advice from @MitchellMc the only other thing I would add if you wanted to improve the soil structure is you can buy soil conditioners, groundbreaker, clay breaker and like Mitchell said add organic matter and gypsum will help to break up the clay and improve the overall soil structure.

I agree Buffalo grass would be a great choice, also under soil irrigation you don't need it but while you have the opportunity with the clean slate you have I think it might be worth it.