There's a similar thread running here.
My Winter Flowering Cherry Tree
Yes, trees can have off years depending on conditions.
The returfing process, what was involved? Did you dig out old turf, scrape the area, add soil/sand, roll, compact etc?
Here's some information you can read regarding how soil and roots interact.
http://www.weareallabouttrees.com.au/soil.html
And just so you dont get the idea a quick fix of fertilizer might fix it perhaps have a read of this.
http://www.weareallabouttrees.com.au/fertilizing.html
The key is the turf would have had some impact. Also, watch what you spray on the turf, many broadleaf herbicides are a trees enemy.