The cost of laying turf depends mostly on how much preparation the ground needs: lifting the old lawn or weeds, levelling, bringing in topsoil where the ground is poor, and getting materials and waste in and out of the garden. The turf itself is only part of the price. A new lawn laid on well prepared, level ground roots quickly and stays flat, while turf rolled out over lumpy, compacted soil will show every dip within a season. This guide explains what each step involves so you can see where the work and cost really sit.
Clearing the old lawn
Most new lawns replace an old one that has gone patchy, mossy or full of weeds. The old turf is lifted, either by hand or with a turf cutter, and taken away. On a heavily weeded area, it is worth treating or removing the weeds properly first, because new turf will not smother deep rooted perennials.
Waste removal is a real cost. Old turf is heavy, and a modest lawn can produce several bags or a skip load. The garden clearance cost guide on this site covers how waste removal is usually handled.
Levelling and topsoil
Once the area is clear, the soil is dug or rotavated, stones and roots are removed, and the ground is raked and firmed to an even level. Hollows are filled and bumps taken down so the finished lawn is flat and mows easily.
Where the soil is thin, heavy clay or full of builder's rubble, a layer of screened topsoil makes a big difference. It gives the new roots something to grow into and helps the lawn cope with dry spells. How much topsoil is needed is one of the biggest variables in turfing cost.
- Lifting and removing the old turf
- Clearing stones, roots and debris
- Rotavating or digging over compacted ground
- Bringing in topsoil where the soil is poor
- Raking, firming and final levelling
- Laying turf with staggered joints and watering in
Laying the turf
Turf is laid in staggered rows like brickwork, with joints butted tightly so they do not dry out and shrink. Working from boards stops the fresh turf from being trodden into dips. Edges are cut neatly to paths, borders and patios, and the whole lawn is watered thoroughly once it is down.
Turf is a living product and should be laid within a day or so of delivery. That means the ground preparation needs to be finished before the turf arrives, which is why the job is usually planned as one continuous block.
Season and timing
Autumn and spring are the best times to lay turf, when the ground is moist and warm enough for roots to grow and the weather is less likely to dry it out. Turf can be laid in summer, but it needs heavy, regular watering. Frozen or waterlogged ground in winter makes preparation difficult and is best avoided.
Aftercare for a new lawn
The first few weeks decide whether a new lawn takes. Water it every day in dry weather until the roots have knitted into the soil, which you can check by gently lifting a corner. Keep off it as much as possible for the first couple of weeks. The first cut should be light, with the mower on a high setting, once the grass is growing and the turf is firmly rooted.
What else moves the price
Access is a big factor. If turf, topsoil and waste all have to be carried through the house or a narrow side passage, the job takes longer. Slopes, awkward shapes and lots of edging around beds add time too. For a garden on a tight budget, the small garden on a budget guide explains where a new lawn fits among other improvements, and turfing is often combined with a wider tidy under the landscaping service.
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