How to Remove Old Turf?

Learn how to remove old turf step-by-step for Sunshine Coast and Gympie lawns. Get practical tips on timing, tools, weed control, soil preparation, and common mistakes to avoid for a successful new lawn installation.

If your lawn’s looking more “outback paddock” than “backyard paradise,” it’s probably time to rip up that tired old turf and start fresh. Whether you’re in Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, or anywhere in between, removing old grass is the first step to a lush, healthy new lawn.

But how do you do it right—especially with our unique Queensland soils and climate?

Read on for a step-by-step guide, plus expert tips and service options from your local turf legends at Roberts Turf Supplies.

Why Remove Old Turf?

Let’s be honest: patchy, weed-infested grass is a pain to look at and even worse to walk on. Old turf can hide pests, diseases, and stubborn weeds that will sabotage your new lawn from the get-go.

Plus, compacted or exhausted soil underneath can stop fresh turf from putting down strong roots. Removing the old stuff is your ticket to a thriving, beautiful lawn that’ll make the neighbours jealous.

When’s the Best Time to Remove Turf in Queensland?

Timing is everything.

For folks in Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, the best window is spring through early autumn. The soil’s warm, there’s a bit more rain around, and your new turf will establish quickly.

If you’re planning a winter project, just make sure you’re using a winter-active variety and have a solid aftercare plan.

Tools & Materials Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done (or what the Roberts Turf crew will bring if you want the pros to handle it):

Sharp spade or turf cutter (manual for small jobs, powered for big ones)
Wheelbarrow
Rake (landscape or garden)
Garden fork or rotary hoe
Glyphosate-based weed killer (for tough weeds)
Gloves and sturdy boots
Green waste bags or trailer
Soil conditioner or compost
Water source/hose

Pro Tip: For large areas, save your back and time by hiring a turf cutter—or let Roberts Turf Supplies take care of removal and site prep for you!

Step 1: Assess and Plan

Scope out your lawn. Are you stripping the whole thing or just the rough patches? Mark your boundaries with string or spray paint.

Watch out for garden beds, trees, and any underground irrigation or cables—mark those clearly to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Step 2: Mow Low and Water Well

Mow the old turf as low as you can (without scalping the soil). This makes the next steps easier and reduces the bulk you’ll need to haul away. Water the area a day or two before removal—moist soil is much easier to work with, especially in our sandy or clay-rich Queensland soils.

Step 3: Tackle Weeds

If your lawn is overrun with weeds, hit them with herbicide. You can either use

Bow & Arrow Herbicide for broad leaf weeds or Sledgehammer Herbicide for Nutgrass and Mullumbimby couch.

Wait 7–10 days for it to work its magic.

This step will stop weed seeds from taking over your new turf.

Step 4: Cut and Lift the Old Turf

Manual Method (Small Areas)

Slice: Use a sharp spade to cut the turf into strips (about 30cm wide).
Lift: Slide the spade under each strip, lifting the roots and soil.
Roll: Roll up each strip for easy removal.

Turf Cutter Method (Large Areas)

For big jobs, a powered turf cutter is a lifesaver. It slices under the turf at a consistent depth, making it easy to roll up and cart away.

Step 5: Remove and Dispose of Old Turf

Load up your wheelbarrow and get rid of the old turf. Your local council green waste facility is the best bet for disposal. If your old turf is weed-free, you can compost it or use it to fill low spots in your yard.

Eco Tip: Not sure where to take your green waste? Ask the Roberts Turf Supplies team one of their friendly customer service members will be available.

Step 6: Prepare the Soil

This is the secret sauce for a brilliant new lawn.

Remove Debris

Rake the area to get rid of leftover roots, rocks, and debris.

Loosen the Soil

Break up the top 100–150mm with a garden fork or rotary hoe. This is especially important in Gympie’s clay soils or the sandy patches on the Coast.

Level and Grade

Rake the soil smooth and even. Aim for a gentle slope away from buildings to avoid puddles. Fill in low spots and knock down high ones.

Improve the Soil

Mix in a quality soil conditioner or compost. Sandy soils need more organic matter to hold moisture; clay soils benefit from gypsum for drainage.

Water and Settle

Lightly water the area and let it settle for a day or two. Rake again if any uneven spots pop up.

Step 7: Watch for Persistent Weeds

If any tough weeds make a comeback, pull them by hand or spot-treat with weed killer. It’s much easier to deal with them now than after your new turf is down.

Step 8: Final Checks

Before you lay new turf, make sure:

The surface is level and even
The soil is moist (not soggy)
All rocks and debris are gone
No weeds or old roots remain

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Skipping soil prep: Don’t rush! Good prep is the foundation of a healthy lawn.
Leaving roots/weeds: They’ll regrow and ruin your new turf.
Uneven grading: Low spots = puddles and dead grass.
Wrong soil moisture: Soil should be just moist when you lay turf.

Special Tips for Gympie & Sunshine Coast Lawns

Sandy soils (Sunshine Coast): Add compost or soil conditioner to help retain moisture.
Clay soils (Gympie): Mix in gypsum and organic matter to improve drainage.
Weather: Watch the forecast—avoid working during heavy rain or extreme heat.
Lawn pests: Keep an eye out for grubs and beetles, especially after laying new turf.

Ready to Lay New Turf? Roberts Turf Supplies Has You Covered!

You’ve done the hard work—now it’s time to bring your new lawn to life.

Here’s how Roberts Turf Supplies can help you every step of the way:

Turf Supply & Delivery

With over 50 hectares of premium turf varieties grown locally, Roberts Turf Supplies can help you choose the best grass for your home, business, or development.

Freshly harvested turf is delivered straight from the farm to your site—fast and hassle-free.

Want to see the turf before you buy?

Visit our farms in Chevallum or Bellsbridge!

Site Preparation

Don’t want to tackle soil prep yourself? Our team handles everything: weed elimination, debris clearance, soil underlay, and starter fertiliser. Get the perfect base for your new lawn—no stress, no mess.

Turf Laying

Let the pros do the groundwork! Our highly trained crew installs turf rolls with precision and speed, whether it’s a small backyard or a sprawling commercial site. Relax and enjoy instant lawn transformation.

8-Week Lawn Care Programme

Want the greenest lawn in the street? Sign up for our 8-week lawn care fertiliser programme, specially designed for Queensland’s harsh conditions. You’ll get:

Liquid fertiliser with trace elements, wetting agents, and soil conditioner
Lawn grub and pest control
Slow-release granular fertiliser for long-lasting results

This programme keeps your lawn lush, green, and healthy—without the excessive growth or wash-away problems of cheap fertilisers.

Aftercare Advice

We don’t just lay turf and leave you hanging. Roberts Turf Supplies offers ongoing aftercare advice, troubleshooting, and insider tips to keep your new lawn thriving. Got a question? Just call us—help is always at hand.

Call us today on 07 5478 9438

Visit our turf farms at:

Roberts Turf Supplies Sunshine Coast
520, Chevallum Road,
Chevallum, QLD 4555
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRud5D78NqBZE1fs6

Roberts Turf Supplies Gympie
54 Wide Bay Hwy
Bellsbridge QLD 4570
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ChiZSGzjoAPoFMh7

View all our turf supplies online now.