Turf takes an afternoon. Getting the ground right is the job, and it is the only part that decides how the lawn looks in three years.
Clear the ground, break up compaction, remove debris and roots, add or improve topsoil, level, firm, and rake to a fine finish. Turf is then laid onto ground it can root into within days.
Almost every failed lawn we are called to look at failed at this stage, not at the laying.
| Situation | What is usually needed |
|---|---|
| Established garden soil, good condition | Improve and cultivate what is there |
| Thin or poor soil | Import to build up a decent rooting depth |
| Post-building ground | Remove rubble; usually import topsoil |
| Cleared overgrown ground | Remove roots and debris, then assess |
| Heavy clay | Improve with organic matter; consider drainage |
| Thin soil over rock | Build up depth, and be realistic about summer |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
Ground that is not firmed properly settles unevenly under its own weight and under rain, and a lawn that looked flat in March is dimpled by June. Firming is done by heeling or rolling, then raking again — and it is repeated rather than done once. It is tedious, which is exactly why it is the step most often skipped.
On a straightforward garden, preparation and laying can be the same visit. Where rubble has to come out, topsoil has to come in, or drainage needs attention, preparation is the larger part of the job and turf is ordered for the day it will actually be laid — because turf that sits rolled on a pallet for three days in warm weather is already deteriorating before it goes down.
See what our turfing service covers in Brislington, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Clearing, removing perennial weeds and debris, breaking up compaction, improving or importing topsoil, levelling, firming and a final fine rake.
Because roots cannot penetrate it and water cannot drain through it. Turf on compacted ground roots shallowly, dries out in summer and sits wet in winter.
Often on post-building ground, thin soil or after clearing rubble. Turf needs a decent rooting depth to establish properly.
No. The old turf should be lifted, or you are laying onto a compacted layer with the old weeds still in it.
Level enough that there are no hollows to hold water and no ridges for the mower to scalp, with a fall away from the house.
Unfirmed ground settles unevenly under rain and its own weight, so a lawn that looked flat in spring is dimpled by summer.
Levels, drainage, soil depth, compaction beneath, and any perennial weeds left in — all of which mean lifting the lawn.
As soon as possible. Turf left rolled on a pallet in warm weather deteriorates within a couple of days.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
