What is turf? It is ready-grown lawn, cut from a farm in rolls or slabs, that you lay over prepared soil to get an instant grass surface. In trade terms, turf is a mat of grass, roots and a thin layer of soil held together by the root system.
Key points
- Turf is lawn grown on a farm and sold as rolls, so you skip the weeks of waiting that come with seed.
- Sydney homeowners mostly choose warm-season turf such as buffalo, kikuyu, couch and zoysia, which thrive through humid summers.
- Turf laying in Sydney typically costs about $17 to $46 per m², with $29 as the usual figure (October 2026).
- Preparing the soil and watering properly after laying decide whether the turf takes, so do not skip either step.
What is turf made of?
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Turf | Grass and roots grown on a farm, cut into rolls or slabs | It gives you a finished lawn in a day. |
| Sod | The American word for turf | Australian suppliers say turf, rolls or instant lawn. |
| Lawn | The grassed area in your yard, whether turf or seed | Turf is one way to build a lawn. |
| Roll | A strip of turf rolled up for delivery | Fresh rolls must be laid soon after delivery. |
How turf works
- Growers cut turf in strips with a thin layer of soil attached, so the roots arrive intact and ready to knit into your soil.
- You lay the rolls over levelled, prepared ground in a brick pattern with tight joins, then press them down for firm contact.
- Roots grow into the soil beneath over the following weeks, and you water frequently while they take hold.
- Warm-season grasses grow fastest from spring to early autumn, so lay turf then and follow Sydney Water’s Water Wise Guidelines.
- Once established, the lawn needs regular mowing, feeding as the product label directs and the occasional aeration.
Where turf is used
- Family backyards, where buffalo or kikuyu gives a soft, hard-wearing surface for kids and pets.
- Front lawns that need a neat, even finish for street appeal.
- Sports fields, parks and school ovals, which need tough, fast-recovering grass.
- Strata gardens and courtyards, where a small area of instant lawn replaces bare soil or weeds.
- Replacement lawns after a patchy old lawn has been stripped back to soil.
Turf types and costs in Sydney
| Item | Typical Sydney range (October 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf laying | $17 to $46 per m², typically $29 | Includes GST. |
| Mowing, small lawn (up to 100 m²) | $45 to $100 per visit, typically $60 | Regular mowing keeps new turf dense. |
| Lawn aeration (up to about 150 m²) | $92 to $290 per job, typically $170 | Helps compacted soil breathe. |
| Turf variety and roll size | Varies by supplier (indicative — check the supplier’s specifications) | Ask for the variety name on your order. |
Related terms
- Buffalo: a soft, shade-tolerant warm-season turf; see our buffalo lawn guide.
- Zoysia: a dense, fine-bladed lawn, covered in Sir Grange zoysia and Empire zoysia turf.
- Kikuyu: a fast-growing runner lawn explained in our kikuyu turf guide.
- Wintergreen: a couch-type lawn that holds colour in cooler months; see wintergreen grass.
- Tall fescue: a cool-season turf with a different care routine, covered in tall fescue.
FAQ: turf questions
What is turf?
Turf is ready-grown lawn sold as rolls or slabs. A farm grows the grass and cuts it with its roots and a thin layer of soil, so you can lay an instant lawn over prepared soil. It is faster than seed but costs more upfront.
What is a tree?
A tree is a tall, woody plant with a single main trunk and branches that form a canopy. Unlike turf, trees are long-lived and can be protected by council rules, so check your council’s tree rules before you prune or remove one.
What is a turf?
A turf is one piece of ready-grown lawn, such as a single roll or slab. People also use the word for lawn grass in general. In Australia you will also hear it called instant lawn or lawn rolls.
Getting turf help in Sydney
To compare grass types, read our guide to comparing turf varieties. When your new lawn needs mowing, edging and ongoing care, book our lawn mowing and edging service in Sydney, and we will keep it neat.
