A new lawn is one of the fastest ways to transform a garden, and instant lawn means you go from bare, prepared soil to a green lawn in a single day. The catch is that instant lawn only takes as well as the ground you lay it on, which is where most DIY lawns go wrong. We prepare the soil properly, supply and lay the lawn, and set you up to keep it alive through the crucial first weeks.
What we do
We handle the whole job: clearing and preparing the soil, supplying the right grass for your garden, laying it tight and even, top-dressing it, and giving you a clear watering plan for the first two weeks. You get a real, established lawn without the guesswork.
Which grass for your garden
- ✓Kikuyu: tough, fast and hard-wearing, best in full sun. The workhorse lawn for the Cape.
- ✓LM (Berea): the go-to for shade and semi-shade where kikuyu struggles.
- ✓Buffalo: hardy and drought-tolerant, with a coarser look.
- ✓We match the grass to your light, use and how much traffic it will take.
Not sure which to choose? Our guide to the best lawn grass types for South African gardens compares kikuyu, LM Berea and buffalo by sun, shade, wear and water.
Ground preparation is the whole game
Instant lawn laid on hard, poor soil never roots properly and thins out within a season. We clear the weeds, loosen compacted ground, dig in compost, then firm and fine-rake a level bed before a single roll goes down. To estimate how much lawn and dressing a job needs, use our instant lawn calculator.
The best time to lay in the Cape
Autumn is ideal in the Winelands, with warm soil and the rains on the way, so the lawn establishes without summer heat stress. Spring works too. We cover the timing for every job in the Western Cape garden calendar.
Aftercare
The first two weeks decide whether a new lawn thrives. It needs heavy, daily watering while the roots take hold, then the first light mow once it is firmly rooted. We leave you with a simple plan so you know exactly what to do.
Real lawn or artificial?
If the spot is deeply shaded, high-traffic or you want zero watering, artificial grass may suit it better. For most open, sunny gardens, a real instant lawn is cheaper, cooler and lovely underfoot. We install both and will give you a straight answer.
Common mistakes
- ✓Laying onto poor, compacted soil with no compost.
- ✓Leaving gaps or overlapping the slabs instead of butting them tight.
- ✓Underwatering in the critical first two weeks.
- ✓Laying in the peak of summer without the time to water daily.
We supply and lay instant lawn across Paarl, Stellenbosch and the surrounding towns. Ask us for a lawn quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does instant lawn cost?+
It is priced per square metre for the lawn, plus soil preparation and laying. Use our instant lawn calculator for the quantity, then send us the details for a quote that includes prep and installation.
Which instant lawn is best for shade?+
LM, also known as Berea, is the usual choice for shade and semi-shade, where kikuyu struggles. For full sun, kikuyu is tougher and faster. We match the grass to your garden.
When is the best time to lay instant lawn?+
Autumn is ideal in the Cape, when the soil is still warm and the rains are coming. Spring works well too, while peak summer means constant watering to keep it alive.
How soon can I walk on a new lawn?+
Keep off it for two to three weeks while the roots take hold, and delay the first mow until it is firmly rooted.
Do you prepare the soil, or just deliver the lawn?+
We prepare the soil properly as part of the job, which is what makes the difference between a lawn that takes and one that thins out. Preparation is where most DIY lawns fail.