New build irrigation planning: what to do before turf goes down

When you’re building a new home, irrigation is often an afterthought—until the lawn starts struggling. The truth is, the best time to plan your irrigation system is before the turf is laid, not after. Getting it right early saves money, avoids rework, and sets your landscape up for long-term success.

Here’s what you should do before the grass goes down.

1. Plan irrigation alongside landscaping

Before turf installation, you should already know:

• Where lawn areas, garden beds, and trees will be

• Which areas need spray irrigation (lawns) and which need drip irrigation (gardens, hedges, natives)

Different plants have different water needs. Planning zones properly from the start prevents overwatering some areas while under-watering others—a very common new-build issue.

2. Install pipework before soil and turf

Once turf is laid, any irrigation changes mean cutting, lifting, and repairing grass. Installing pipework beforehand allows:

• Clean trenching without damaging finished surfaces

• Correct pipe depth and alignment

• Fewer joins (which means fewer leaks later)

This stage is also ideal for installing sleeves under paths, driveways, and concrete so future upgrades don’t require cutting.

3. Check pressure and flow early

New builds don’t always have the water pressure you expect—especially if you’re on tank water, a pump system, or a shared supply. Before turf:

• Test available pressure and flow

• Confirm the system can run the required number of sprinklers per zone

• Decide if a pump or pressure upgrade is needed

This avoids weak coverage, dry patches, and frustration once the lawn is established.

4. Choose the right sprinkler layout

Sprinkler spacing matters. Heads should be positioned for head-to-head coverage, meaning one sprinkler reaches the next. Before turf goes down is the only time you can:

• Position sprinklers accurately

• Avoid overspray onto paths, fences, or walls

• Ensure even coverage across the entire lawn

Poor spacing is one of the main causes of patchy new lawns.

5. Install the controller and allow for future growth

Modern controllers can be simple timers or smart systems that adjust watering to weather conditions. During the build stage, it’s also smart to:

• Allow spare capacity for future garden beds or lawn extensions

• Install isolation valves for easier maintenance

Irrigation is part of your home’s foundation—just like plumbing and electrical. Planning and installing it before turf goes down means better lawn health, lower water waste, and fewer headaches later.

Midwest Watering Systems works with builders and homeowners to design and install irrigation systems at the right stage—so when the turf goes down, everything underneath is ready to perform.

Contact us on (02) 6852 1845.