For decades, turf was a premium finish reserved for high-end developments and showcase parks. That perception is shifting and it’s becoming a mainstream – and sometimes required – choice for subdivision streetscapes and reserves.

It’s important to consider whether turf is always the right choice. Despite its popularity, developers and councils still need to weigh practical realities against aesthetic wants.

An introduction to turf: how it works

Turf is typically supplied as rolls or slabs of mature grass with an established root system, which is carefully laid out over prepared soil. Once the turf is positioned, it is generously watered to encourage the turf’s roots to grow into the soil and securely bind the grass to the ground. Within just 2 weeks, it can be ready for communities to enjoy.

This is in comparison to seeding or hydroseeding, which are more traditional methods of achieving a lawn space. Seeding involves spreading grass seed evenly over prepared soil, often by hand, before raking and watering to encourage germination. Hydroseeding sprays a mix of grass seed, water, fertiliser, mulch and binding agents onto soil, and is regularly watered to encourage germination.

However, these options often require reseeding in areas where the seed did not take – this can be a lengthy and more expensive process, and there is no guarantee that the seed will germinate.

Lawn coverage on nature strips and open green spaces is beneficial to communities; it's not just a council requirement. Green surfaces cool urban areas, making spaces more usable in hot weather. They absorb rain and reduce runoff, support biodiversity for insects and birds, and provide versatile areas for sport and social activities. Green spaces are more visually appealing than concrete and are linked to improved mental health.

Why turf is gaining ground

Turf’s main appeal lies in its ability to deliver immediate results. A freshly turfed reserve or streetscape signals completion, compliance and care – qualities that matter to councils and home or lot buyers alike. This can support marketing efforts and provide a more established feel to the estate, providing locals with a higher sense of community.

Turf’s appeal goes beyond aesthetics – while it can be a more expensive option upfront, it typically requires less watering and maintenance than seeded lawn, reducing long-term costs and environmental impact. Its reliability is another key factor, offering a consistent result with fewer failures and less need for reseeding, while hydroseeding can be unpredictable.

Councils are increasingly mandating turf establishment, particularly in north and western Victorian areas, where some do not allow or advise against the use of seeding or hydroseeding altogether. In the Gippsland area, for example, developments typically use hydroseed instead of turf; previously, Gippsland has seen more rain, so this was a more viable option. However, with climate change, turf is now often a better option even in Gippsland, as it provides a reliable and visually appealing result, rather than potentially creating a lengthy tending process.

Councils often require established lawns before granting practical completion (PC) or final completion (FC), recognising their ability to deliver instant visual appeal and a sense of completion. For developers, this means projects can be handed over more quickly, bonds can be released sooner and communities can enjoy green spaces without delay.

We know that housing in Australia is becoming more condensed, seeing more homes on smaller lots, often with smaller backyards. Parks are becoming family spaces more than previously, so ensuring high-quality parks are promptly opened can be very beneficial to the budding community.

When seeding still applies

Despite its growing popularity, turf isn’t a universal solution.

The upfront cost of turf is higher than seed or hydroseeding, which can be a significant consideration for . It’s worth considering the efficiency of each option, in conjunction lot price and rate price, before deciding – also keeping in mind that reduced watering, fewer repairs and faster compliance can often offset the initial expense.

Turf runs the risk of being damaged when it’s within or nearby active construction zones, in high-traffic areas, or in vandalism-prone spaces. This can lead to costly replacements, which may make alternatives like seeding or hydroseeding more applicable.

While fencing can be used to limit damage as a short-term solution, this works best for a reserve space, rather than for a nature strip near an under-construction home. As such, timing must be considered when using turf, to help understand when turf is the right investment and when a staged approach using seed may deliver better outcomes.

Lessons from the field

At Millar Merrigan, our approach has evolved alongside council requirements and client expectations. In the past, turf was only used when specifically requested, but now, especially in the past 12 months, we’ve found that using turf for projects is often expected and appreciated by councils, contractors and clients alike in reserves and nature strips.

Projects like Montana Estate, The Stables Estate’s primary reserve and Parkside Collective’s French Road Reserve illustrate some use cases for when turf works well.

Montana Estate

This estate development used turf and in nature strips all through stage one of the development. As the project progresses, more stage’s nature strips will also be turfed.

The use of turf in these spaces not only helps create a more established feel to the estate, but it helps to create a strong first impression for potential buyers. For the client and landowners, the reserve provides an established and aesthetically pleasing look, as well as space to relax and connect outside of their homes.

The Stables Estate, Greenvale – 40 Providence Road

This reserve on Providence Road, Greenvale, used turf to provide an established feel to the area. It was a particularly great outcome as, combined with the retained existing trees, the turf helps provide a very established feel to the surrounding subdivision.

In the new year, this estate will see the streetscapes also completed with turf, as the client recognises the positive impact this has on the appearance of the overall estate.

Parkside Collective, Greenvale – French Road Reserve

Our landscape architecture team worked on the reserve for this estate, where rolls of turf were used to provide a large lawn area. This approach allowed locals to enjoy the space, including a soccer goal, much sooner.

Not only does turf help to meet the council’s lawn coverage requirements more quickly, but it also withstands wear and tear earlier than seeded areas, making the reserve practical and accessible faster.

The project also incorporated seed as an interim measure, providing some greenery to the streetscapes and spaces abutting future reserves while construction continues. Once works are complete, turf will replace these seeded areas for an instantly put-together appearance.

While contractors were on-site laying turf in October, they were met with local children at the fence, excitedly asking about when the space would be open. It’s rewarding to see how turf accelerates community access and creates immediate benefits for residents!

Making the right choice

Before committing to turf, developers should consider these key questions:

• Is building activity in this area complete? Consider not just for the estate, but for lots of land and new homes.
• What are the vandalism or traffic risks?
• What does the permit or council condition require?
• What’s the budget for upfront versus long-term maintenance?
• Are there WSUD assets nearby?
• Which species will thrive under local conditions?

These answers can prevent costly mistakes and ensure landscaping strategies deliver both compliance and value.

Is the grass greener?

Turf is becoming a mainstream choice for land development – but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding where turf excels and where seed or hydroseeding may be more practical, developers and councils can make informed decisions that balance compliance, cost and community expectations.

Need advice? Our landscape architecture team has been working with turf in estates, gaining a deep understanding of the pros and cons for each project to deliver a positive outcome for clients and communities alike.

Get in touch with our team today to find out how to best use turf in your next land development project.