New Lawn Installation In Johannesburg

A Greener, Healthier Garden Starts Here

Transform bare, tired or damaged areas with professional new lawn installation that gives your garden a fresh start, creates an immediate visual improvement and supports healthy establishment from the very beginning.

Give My Garden A Fresh Start

The Best Time To Install A New Lawn

For Johannesburg lawns, the warmer months give new grass the strongest chance to establish well. Our lawn installation services start from August through to April, with spring being one of the best times to start. During this period, warmer soil encourages active root growth and gives Kikuyu and LM Berea time to settle before the colder months return.

Winter installation is generally best avoided, as warm season grasses slow down considerably and take longer to establish.

Our lawn installation services are available across Johannesburg, including Sandton, Fourways, Midrand and Randburg.

Seeding vs Sodding

A new lawn changes the look and feel of a garden almost immediately, but the result depends heavily on the lawn installation method you choose. The right lawn installation method should suit the space, the level of use and the growing conditions in the garden.

Instant Lawn

Instant lawn is mature grass that has already been grown by a turf farmer. It is lifted with its root layer intact, transported to your property and laid over prepared soil.

The area looks like a finished lawn immediately, although the grass still needs time to establish roots into the soil below.

Advantages:

Immediate green coverage
Faster establishment than seed
Helps reduce exposed soil and erosion
Suitable for replacing an old or badly damaged lawn
Kikuyu and LM Berea options are available for different growing conditions

Considerations:

Ground preparation still needs to be done properly
Newly laid grass requires frequent watering while rooting
Foot traffic should be limited during establishment
Installation costs are generally higher than seeding because mature turf is supplied and laid

Seeded Lawn

A seeded lawn is grown from grass seed rather than pre-grown turf.

Lawn Care Plus uses a grass seed mixture suited to fine lawns with little or no traffic, using an establishment method similar to those used for golf course lawns.

Advantages:

Useful where a fine lawn finish is required
Can be suitable for larger low-traffic areas
Seed allows grass to establish directly in the prepared soil

Considerations:

Establishment takes longer
The area will not appear fully covered immediately
Watering needs to be carefully maintained during germination
Young grass is vulnerable to heavy traffic while establishing
Seeded lawns are not suitable for every garden or usage requirement

The Best Grass Types For Johannesburg Lawns

The grass you choose has a big impact on how your lawn looks, grows and holds up over time. Lawns throughout Johannesburg can vary dramatically from one property to the next, so a grass that performs beautifully in one garden may struggle in another.

Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu is a fast-growing, hard-wearing grass that performs particularly well in sunny Gauteng gardens. It spreads quickly during the warmer months, recovers well from regular use and is a practical choice for busy outdoor areas.

It does need good sunlight to stay dense and healthy, so it is better suited to open areas than heavily shaded parts of the garden.

Best suited to:



Full sun



Family gardens



High-traffic areas



Lawns that need to recover well after regular use



Gardens where fast, dense growth is preferred

LM Berea Grass

LM Berea is a softer, finer grass that works well in Johannesburg gardens where shade is a bigger factor. It can grow in full sun too, but it is especially useful in areas that receive filtered light or partial shade during the day.

It forms a dense, attractive lawn under the right conditions and is well suited to gardens where appearance and comfort matter as much as durability.

Best suited to:



Partial shade



Filtered sunlight



Lower to moderate foot traffic



Gardens with trees or shaded sections



Lawns where a softer, finer finish is preferred

Seeded Grass

Seeded grass is a good option for fine lawns in areas with little or no foot traffic. Instead of laying pre-grown turf, the lawn develops from a grass seed mixture planted directly into prepared soil.

It takes longer to establish than instant lawn, but it can produce a smooth, refined finish when the conditions are right and the area can be protected while the grass develops.

Best suited to:



Fine lawns



Low-traffic areas



Decorative garden spaces



Areas that can be kept off while the grass establishes



Lawns where appearance is the main priority

Start Your New Lawn With Confidence

The best option depends on the conditions you are working with. We assess sunlight, soil, drainage and how the area will be used before recommending the most suitable method for your lawn installation.

Get Expert Lawn Advice

Our New Lawn Installation Process

A healthy new lawn starts with the work done before the grass goes down. From preparation and grass selection to installation and aftercare, each step helps the lawn establish properly and perform well over time.

1. Site Assessment

We start by checking the area as a whole, including sunlight, shade, soil condition, drainage, access and how the space will be used. We also look at the condition of any existing lawn and identify anything that may need attention before installation, such as poor drainage, uneven ground, old turf, roots or landscaping work.

2. Ground Preparation

Old or failed lawn, weeds, rubble, roots and debris are removed where necessary so the new lawn has a clean base. The ground is then prepared and levelled to create an even surface and improve contact between the grass and the soil below. If required, this stage can also include tree removal or stump grinding before installation.

3. Soil Improvement

The condition of the soil has a direct impact on how well the new lawn establishes. Where needed, we improve the soil with topsoil, compost or other amendments to support root development, structure and drainage. Any obvious soil or moisture issues are addressed before they are covered by new grass.

4. Grass Selection

We choose the lawn type based on the area and how it will be used. Kikuyu suits sunny, higher-traffic spaces, while LM Berea works well in areas with more shade. Seeded lawn may suit fine, low-traffic areas, and different parts of the same garden can require different grass types.

5. Lawn Installation

Once the area is ready, we install the selected lawn using the method best suited to the space. Instant lawn is laid closely over the prepared surface to reduce gaps and support even establishment, while seeded lawn is applied directly to prepared soil for germination and early growth.

6. Initial Watering

New grass needs consistent moisture during the early stages of establishment. We provide clear watering guidance based on the lawn type, weather and soil conditions. This helps keep the roots hydrated without leaving the area excessively wet or waterlogged.

7. Early Establishment

Instant lawn begins developing roots into the soil below during the first few weeks, while seeded lawns take longer to germinate, thicken and develop full coverage. During this period, we advise on foot traffic, watering and early care so the lawn has time to settle without unnecessary stress.

8. Follow-Up Care

Aftercare is included as part of the service. We return once the lawn reaches the right stage to roll and cut the new grass, apply a specialist lawn booster and check how well it is establishing. We also provide guidance on watering, mowing and ongoing care so you know what the lawn needs as it continues to develop.

What Happens After Your Lawn Is Installed

The work does not stop once the grass is down. The first few weeks are when the lawn begins to root, settle and adapt, so early care has a big influence on how well it establishes.

Week 1

Watering is especially important while the roots are still shallow. The lawn should not be allowed to dry out, and unnecessary foot traffic should be kept to a minimum.

Weeks 2-3

Instant lawn should start forming stronger roots into the soil below. Watering can gradually be adjusted as the lawn establishes, but heavy use should still be avoided.

Seeded lawns will still be filling in during this stage and need continued care while coverage develops.

The First Cut

The lawn should only be mowed once it is well established and has reached a suitable height. Cutting too early can disturb new roots.

As part of our aftercare service, we return to roll and cut the lawn at the appropriate stage.

Early Feeding

Once the lawn is ready, we apply a specialist lawn booster to support healthy growth and continued establishment.

We also provide guidance on watering, mowing and ongoing care as the lawn moves beyond the early establishment stage.

Once the Lawn Is Established

As the roots strengthen, watering can gradually move toward a normal routine and regular use can increase. Mowing and feeding can then continue as part of ongoing lawn maintenance, helping the grass stay healthy as it matures.

Does Your Lawn Need Replacing?

A damaged lawn does not always need to be replaced. Brown patches, thinning grass, yellow areas and poor drainage can all point to problems that may be treatable without starting again.

Brown Areas

Brown patches can develop from drought stress, pests, disease, compacted soil or seasonal damage. If enough healthy grass remains, targeted treatment may help the lawn recover.

Soggy Areas

Water that sits on the surface often points to drainage or compaction problems. Laying new turf over wet ground can lead to poor rooting, so the drainage issue needs to be addressed first.

Thinning Grass

Thin growth can be linked to shade, worn soil, heavy use, poor nutrition or the wrong grass type for the area. Some lawns respond well to treatment, while others may need sections replanted with a better-suited variety.

Yellow Spots

Yellowing can be caused by nutrient imbalances, watering issues, pests, disease or pet urine. The pattern and spread of the damage usually give useful clues about what is happening.

Some lawn problems can be improved with targeted treatment rather than full replacement. If new lawn installation is not the right next step, we offer a range of treatments designed to improve the condition, strength and overall performance of an existing lawn.

Explore Our Lawn Care Services →

Why Choose Lawn Care Plus

A new lawn is a long-term investment in your property, and Lawn Care Plus brings a proven track record in lawn installation, along with the support needed to help your lawn establish properly from the start.

Read Our Lawn Success Stories →



Brits Valley Turf

We source our Kikuyu and LM Berea grass directly from our farmer in the Brits Valley, giving us a consistent supply of quality turf that is ready for professional installation and suited to local growing conditions.



20+ Years of Experience

For over two decades, we have worked with lawns across Johannesburg and Gauteng, building hands-on experience with local soils, seasonal conditions and the practical challenges that can affect how well a new lawn establishes.



Aftercare Included

Our service continues after installation. We return to roll and cut the new lawn, apply a specialist lawn booster and provide practical guidance on watering and early care so the grass has proper support while it establishes.

New Lawns For Homes And Businesses

From private gardens and residential complexes to offices, business parks and commercial properties, we install and replace lawns across Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Our team can handle everything from smaller garden upgrades to larger lawn installation projects, with the same focus on a clean finish, proper establishment and long-term performance.

Give My Garden A Fresh Start

Lawn Care Guides And Advice

A healthy lawn changes with the seasons, and the right care at the right time can make a noticeable difference. Our guides offer practical advice to help you care for your lawn with greater confidence throughout the year.

Lawn Care Guides

Seasonal Lawn Care

Garden Ideas & Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to install a new lawn in Johannesburg?

We install new lawns from August through to April, when warmer conditions support active growth and root development. Spring is particularly well suited to installation because the lawn has several months of warm weather ahead to establish before winter. We generally avoid installation during the colder winter months when Kikuyu and LM Berea growth slows considerably.

How much does new lawn installation cost?

The cost depends on the size of the area, the grass selected and the preparation required before installation. Existing lawn removal, levelling, additional topsoil, difficult access, drainage work and other site preparation can all affect the final price. We assess the property first so we can quote for the work the lawn actually requires.

Is it cheaper to repair my lawn or replace it?

In many cases, restoring an existing lawn costs less than full replacement, particularly when there is still a healthy base of grass. If large sections have failed, the wrong grass has been planted for the conditions or underlying problems have caused extensive damage, replacement may provide better long-term value. We can help determine which approach makes sense for the condition of your lawn.

What is the difference between instant lawn and seeded lawn?

Instant lawn is mature turf that has already been grown and is laid over prepared soil, giving you full grass coverage immediately. A seeded lawn starts from grass seed planted directly into prepared soil and develops gradually as the seed germinates and fills the area. We use seeded grass mainly for suitable fine lawns with little or no traffic.

Which grass is best for Johannesburg gardens?

There is no single grass type that suits every Johannesburg garden. Kikuyu is a strong option for sunny areas and lawns that receive regular use. LM Berea performs well in sun and partial shade and has a softer, finer appearance. Seeded grass can work well for suitable fine, low-traffic lawns.

Is Kikuyu or LM Berea better for my garden?

Kikuyu is generally better suited to sunny, higher-traffic areas because it grows quickly and recovers well from regular use. LM Berea is often the better choice where the garden receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Some properties may benefit from different grass types in different areas.

How long does instant lawn take to establish?

Instant lawn begins developing roots into the soil during the first few weeks after installation. You should gradually notice that the turf becomes harder to lift as the roots anchor below. Full establishment varies according to the season, weather, grass variety, watering and growing conditions, so the lawn should be judged by its rooting and growth rather than a fixed number of days.

How long does a seeded lawn take to grow?

Seeded lawns take longer to develop than instant lawn because the seed must germinate, establish roots and gradually fill the area. The timeframe depends heavily on the seed mixture, temperature, watering and growing conditions. Consistent moisture and limited traffic are particularly important during germination and early growth.

How often should I water a newly installed lawn?

A new lawn needs consistent moisture during the early establishment period. Newly laid turf should be kept evenly moist and should not be allowed to dry out while the roots are still shallow. Watering frequency can then be reduced gradually as the lawn anchors into the soil. We provide watering instructions after installation based on the lawn and conditions at your property.

When can I walk on a new lawn?

Keep unnecessary foot traffic off a newly installed lawn while the roots are establishing. The grass should feel firmly anchored before regular use resumes. If sections still lift easily or move underfoot, they need more time. Children, pets and heavier activity should also be limited during this early period.

When should I mow a new lawn for the first time?

The first cut should take place once the grass has rooted sufficiently and reached an appropriate mowing height. Mowing too soon can pull or disturb turf that has not anchored properly. Our installation service includes a follow-up visit where we roll and cut the new grass at the appropriate stage.

Can you install a new lawn over existing grass?

We would generally prepare the area first rather than simply laying new turf over an existing lawn. Old grass, weeds, roots and other material can prevent good contact between the new turf and the soil below. Proper preparation also gives us an opportunity to level the area and deal with problems that could affect the new lawn.

What happens if my garden has poor drainage?

Drainage problems should be addressed before new grass is laid. Turf installed over persistently wet or waterlogged ground can struggle to establish and may deteriorate over time. We check the condition of the area during preparation and identify drainage concerns that need attention before installation continues.

Can you install lawn in shaded areas?

Yes, provided the area receives enough suitable light for the grass selected. LM Berea is generally better suited to partial shade and filtered sunlight than Kikuyu. Very heavily shaded areas can still be difficult for lawn grass, so we consider how much usable light the area receives before installation.

Does Lawn Care Plus supply the grass as well as install it?

Yes. We supply the grass and professionally install it as part of our new lawn service. Our Kikuyu and LM Berea turf is sourced from our farmer in the Brits Valley, so you do not need to arrange grass separately before installation.

What happens if my new lawn struggles after installation?

Contact us early if you notice persistent dry areas, lifting edges, excessive yellowing or sections that are failing to root. Our installation service includes follow-up care, which gives us an opportunity to check how the lawn is establishing and provide guidance before a small problem becomes harder to correct.

Can Lawn Care Plus install different grass types on the same property?

Yes. Different sections of the same property can have very different growing conditions. A sunny, frequently used area may suit Kikuyu, while a section with partial shade may be better suited to LM Berea. We can use different grass types where this gives the property a better overall result.

Does Lawn Care Plus offer ongoing lawn care after installation?

Yes. Lawn Care Plus provides ongoing lawn care services for established lawns as well as new installations. Once your new lawn has settled in, we can continue helping with seasonal treatments, aeration, fertilisation and other lawn care where required.

Will I get watering and mowing instructions after installation?

Yes. Aftercare guidance forms part of our installation service. We explain how to water the new lawn during establishment and when mowing can begin. We also return at the appropriate stage to roll and cut the grass and apply a specialist lawn booster.