Yes, always. This is one of the few questions in garden work with no interesting answer.
Fencing first, turf last. Fencing involves digging, spoil, concrete, heavy materials carried across the plot and repeated traffic along the boundary. New turf survives none of it.
Turf is the finishing layer, for the same reason carpet goes down after the decorating is done.
| What happens | Result on new turf |
|---|---|
| Barrow across it | Ruts and torn seams |
| Spoil heaped on it | Yellowing and dead patches |
| Cement or mortar spill | Permanent — the pH change kills grass |
| Repeated foot traffic | Compaction and poor rooting |
| Materials stacked | Dead rectangles |
| Turf lifted and relaid | Rarely knits properly the second time |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
Where a garden has been left for years, there is usually more between the fence and the turf than people expect — clearance, stumps, a settling period for regrowth, and soil improvement. The gap between fencing and turfing on those gardens is often a season rather than a week, and that is a good thing: the boundary settles, spoil is fully cleared, and the ground has time to reveal whatever is still in it before grass goes on top.
See what our garden fencing service covers in Fishponds, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Yes, always. Fencing involves digging, spoil, concrete and repeated traffic across the plot, none of which new turf survives.
Ruts from barrows, torn seams, dead patches under spoil, and permanent damage anywhere cement is spilled.
At minimum, long enough for post concrete to set, spoil to be cleared and levelled ground to settle. A seasonal gap works well too.
No. Set the level below the gravel board, so soil is not banked against the timber — the commonest avoidable cause of fence failure.
Clearance, stumps, a settling period for regrowth and soil improvement. The gap is often a season, which is a good thing.
Partly, with boards and a defined access lane, but not perfectly. Tell us in advance and expect some repair.
Usually. One set-up, one access arrangement, and the old fence, spoil and clearance waste all leave together.
Clearance, then trees and stumps, then fencing, then levelling, then turf last.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
