5 min read

Laying New Turf: How a Lawn Should Be Prepared

New turf takes well when the ground beneath it is properly prepared: old grass and weeds cleared, the soil cultivated and levelled, topsoil added where needed, the surface firmed and raked, then rolls laid tight with staggered joints and watered in straight away. Most failed lawns fail because turf was rolled out onto compacted or uneven ground that was never prepared.

Turfing is part of the landscaping work we carry out across south Essex alongside patios and planting. This guide covers how it should be done and how to care for new turf so it roots quickly.

Clearing the old lawn

Existing grass, weeds and stones are removed. Perennial weeds left in the soil will push up through new turf, so they are dealt with at this stage rather than after. On a garden that has had building work, rubble buried just below the surface is common and needs to come out.

Cultivating and levelling

The soil is dug or rotavated to loosen it so roots can grow down. Heavy clay, common in parts of Essex, may need improving so water can drain. The ground is then levelled, adding topsoil to fill hollows, and firmed by treading so it does not settle unevenly later. A final rake leaves a fine, level surface.

Levels at the edges matter too. Turf should sit just above any paving or mowing strip so the mower can run over the edge cleanly.

Laying the turf

Turf is laid as soon as possible after delivery, because rolls deteriorate if left stacked. The first row runs along a straight edge, and each following row is staggered like brickwork so joints do not line up. Rolls are butted tightly together and firmed down so every part of the turf touches the soil. Installers work from boards laid on the new turf to avoid leaving footprints in the prepared ground.

Watering and aftercare

New turf is watered thoroughly straight after laying and kept moist while it roots, especially in warm or windy weather. Gaps opening at the joints are a sign it is drying out. Keep foot traffic off until the roots have taken hold; lifting a corner gently shows whether the turf is gripping the soil. The first cut should be a light one, with the mower blades set high.

Turf or something else?

Real turf suits gardens with decent light and drainage where you enjoy a living lawn. For heavily shaded plots, very heavy use or dogs, some customers choose artificial grass instead. Our comparisons of turf against seed and turf against artificial grass set out the trade offs honestly.

When is the best time to lay turf?

Turf can be laid for much of the year, but it roots most easily in spring and autumn when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild. Laying in summer is possible with generous watering. Frozen or waterlogged ground should be avoided, because working it damages the soil structure and the turf cannot root into it.

On a wider landscaping job, turf is always the last stage, after paving, walls and beds are built, so it is not damaged by the work.

Need a new lawn?

Tell us about your garden and we will quote preparation and turfing together.

Get a landscaping quote View Patio and Landscaping 07535 661664

Frequently asked questions

Can turf be laid straight onto old grass?

It should not be. Old grass and weeds need clearing and the soil preparing, or the new turf will root poorly and weeds will come through.

How soon should turf be laid after delivery?

As soon as possible, ideally the same day. Rolled turf deteriorates if left stacked.

How often should new turf be watered?

Keep it moist until it has rooted, watering more in warm or windy weather. Gaps at the joints mean it is drying out.

Do you lay turf as part of a landscaping job?

Yes. Turfing is part of our patio and landscaping work, along with planting and paving.