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 |
On a larger garden the traffic is worse rather than better, because everything has further to travel — a long boundary run means a long barrow route across whatever is between the vehicle and the fence line.
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
On a bigger project there is no need to rush from one stage to the next. Fencing in autumn and turfing the following spring works very well — the boundary settles, spoil is fully cleared, the ground has a winter to settle after levelling, and turf goes down in one of the two best seasons for establishing. It also spreads the cost, which on a large area is usually welcome.
See what our garden fencing service covers in Henleaze, 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.
Yes. Everything has further to travel, so a long boundary run means a long barrow route across whatever lies between the vehicle and the fence line.
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.
Very, on a larger project. The boundary settles, spoil is cleared, the ground settles over winter, and turf goes down in a good establishing season.
No. Set the level below the gravel board, so soil is not banked against the timber — the commonest avoidable cause of fence failure.
Partly, with boards and a defined access lane, but not perfectly. Tell us in advance and expect some repair.
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.
