Do I Need Topsoil Before Laying New Lawn? Perth Lawn Preparation Guide

If you're laying new lawn in Perth, preparing the soil underneath your turf is one of the most important parts of the job.

Spring is a popular time for Perth homeowners to get their lawns sorted, whether that's laying fresh turf, replacing an old lawn or finally tackling that sandy backyard.

One of the most common questions we hear at Murray River Mulch is:

“Do I need topsoil before laying new lawn?”

In many cases, yes. Using suitable topsoil before laying turf can help create a better growing environment for your new lawn and provide a level, workable surface for installation.

Your new turf might be the part everyone sees, but what's underneath it can make a huge difference.

Why Use Topsoil Before Laying New Turf?

It's tempting to level the backyard, roll out your new turf and start watering.

But successful lawn preparation starts before the turf arrives.

A suitable layer of topsoil for your new lawn can help create an improved root zone while allowing you to correct levels and prepare an even surface before installation.

Preparing your lawn area with topsoil can help with:

• Creating a suitable root zone for your new lawn

• Levelling uneven ground

• Improving the existing soil profile

• Providing an area for new turf roots to establish

• Creating a smoother and more consistent finished lawn

Think of your turf as the finished product.

Your topsoil is part of the foundation underneath it.

Do You Need Topsoil Before Laying Turf in Perth?

This is an especially important question for Perth and WA gardens, where sandy soils are common.

The amount of soil preparation required will depend on what's already in your backyard.

If you already have suitable soil and good levels, your preparation may be relatively straightforward. If you're dealing with poor soil, uneven ground or an area that needs building up, more preparation may be required.

Before ordering your turf, assess the existing ground and work out what needs to happen underneath it first.

Trying to fix your levels or soil preparation after the turf has been laid is a much bigger job!

Can You Lay Turf Straight Onto Sand?

This is one we hear regularly in WA.

While turf may be installed over appropriately prepared sandy soils in some situations, simply laying new turf straight over an unprepared sandy backyard may not provide the best growing environment.

New turf needs to establish roots and have access to moisture and nutrients.

Preparing the area with suitable lawn topsoil gives you an opportunity to improve the root zone before your new lawn goes down.

For advice specific to your turf variety, always check the soil preparation recommendations provided by your turf supplier.

How Much Topsoil Do I Need for New Lawn?

Once you've decided to use topsoil, the next question is usually:

“How much topsoil do I need?”

You can calculate the approximate amount using:

Area (m²) × Topsoil Depth (m) = Topsoil Required (m³)

For example, if you're preparing a 100m² lawn area and require 50mm of topsoil:

100 × 0.05 = 5m³ of topsoil

For a 150m² lawn area at 50mm:

150 × 0.05 = 7.5m³ of topsoil

For a 200m² lawn area at 50mm:

200 × 0.05 = 10m³ of topsoil

Remember that these are volume calculations rather than a recommendation that every lawn requires 50mm.

The depth of topsoil required before laying turf will depend on your existing soil, site levels and the recommendations for the lawn you're installing.

How Do I Measure My Lawn Area for Topsoil?

Start by measuring the length × width of the area you're preparing.

For example:

10m long × 8m wide = 80m²

If your lawn isn't a simple square or rectangle, divide it into several smaller sections.

Calculate the square metres of each section and then add them together.

Once you know your total area, you can calculate the cubic metres of topsoil required based on your desired depth.

You can also use the Murray River Mulch online calculator to make working out your required quantity easier.

How Do I Prepare the Ground Before Laying Turf?

Before spreading your topsoil and laying new lawn, remove unwanted material from the area, including:

• Existing weeds

• Rocks

• Building debris

• Unwanted vegetation

• Other material that may interfere with your lawn preparation

You should also take some time to check your levels.

This is one of those jobs that's much easier to get right before the grass goes down.

Should I Level the Ground Before Laying Turf?

Yes, getting your levels right is an important part of preparing for new lawn.

Remember that your topsoil and turf will both add height to the finished area.

Check the height of surrounding:

• Paving

• Garden edging

• Pathways

• Driveways

• Retaining areas

• Drainage points

You don't want to spend all weekend creating your dream lawn only to discover your finished grass is sitting too high against your paving.

Plan your finished levels before spreading your topsoil.

Should Topsoil Be Compacted Before Laying Turf?

The prepared surface should be stable and even without being excessively compacted.

Once your topsoil has been spread, level the area and lightly firm it where required. Check again for low spots or uneven areas and make adjustments before your turf arrives.

Your aim is to create a smooth, even and workable surface for laying turf.

Always follow the installation recommendations provided by your turf supplier, as preparation requirements can vary depending on the turf variety and your property.

When Should I Order Topsoil Before My Turf Arrives?

Ideally, don't leave your topsoil delivery until the same day you're planning to lay your lawn.

Having your topsoil delivered beforehand gives you time to:

• Spread the soil

• Correct your levels

• Prepare the surface

• Fix any low spots

• Make final adjustments

Then, when your fresh turf arrives, the area is ready.

Nobody wants a pallet of turf waiting while they're still frantically pushing wheelbarrows of soil around the backyard!

Can I Use Topsoil to Level My Yard Before Laying Grass?

Topsoil can be useful for preparing and levelling areas before new lawn is installed, but larger changes to ground levels may require different materials or preparation methods.

If you're significantly building up an area, don't automatically assume the entire depth should be filled with topsoil.

Work out your required levels first and choose the appropriate landscaping material for each part of the job.

Is Our Topsoil Suitable for Topdressing Existing Lawns?

Important: Murray River Mulch Topsoil is not recommended for topdressing established lawns.

Our Topsoil is screened to approximately 15mm and is designed for applications such as preparing soil for new lawns, garden beds and general landscaping.

Because of the 15mm screening size, the product can contain larger organic particles. These are intentionally retained within the soil and, as the organic material continues to break down over time, it contributes to the soil’s organic matter and helps create a long-lasting, nutrient-rich soil.

While this makes our Topsoil a great option for preparing the soil under a new lawn, the larger particles mean it does not provide the fine, consistent finish generally desired when spreading a thin layer of topdressing over an existing lawn.

For this reason, we do not recommend purchasing our Topsoil for lawn topdressing. Please contact us for other options that we do recommend.

Topsoil Delivery for Perth Lawn Projects

If you're getting ready to lay new lawn in Perth, Murray River Mulch can help with the preparation before the turf goes down.

Alongside our range of mulches and landscaping materials, we supply Topsoil for lawn preparation and landscaping projects, with delivery available throughout our delivery zones.

Whether you're tackling a small backyard lawn or preparing a much larger area, you can calculate the quantity you need and order directly online.

Getting Ready to Lay New Lawn?

Don't spend all your time choosing the perfect variety of grass and forget about what's going underneath it.

Before laying your turf:

Measure your area.

Check your levels.

Prepare your ground.

Order your topsoil.

Then get that grass down! 🌱

Browse Murray River Mulch Topsoil, calculate how much material your project requires and arrange your delivery directly through our website.

Because a great lawn doesn't just start with great turf — it starts with proper preparation underneath it.