How turfing a new-build garden works
A good lawn on a new-build plot is mostly about what happens before the turf arrives. Here's the whole job, from your first message to the first mow.
Step by step
Five stages, one lawn
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You tell us about the garden
Address or plot number, rough size, front and back, slopes, access and what the ground looks like now.
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Your quote
Each part of the job is listed, from clearing and levelling to topsoil and turf. Prices include VAT.
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Deposit and date
Once you say yes, a deposit secures the date. It counts towards the total.
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Laying day
The ground is prepared, the turf laid and rolled, and the edges cut. Most gardens are finished within a day.
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Aftercare
You get guidance on watering and the first mow, which is what decides how well the turf roots.
The preparation
What happens to the ground first
Builders usually leave a garden as subsoil that has been driven over for months, sometimes with a thin layer of soil on top and bits of brick, plastic and concrete just below the surface. Turf needs loose, even soil to root into, so the ground is put right first.
Clearing the surface
Stones, offcuts and builders' debris near the surface are picked and raked out and taken away. Larger amounts of rubble are priced separately where needed.
Breaking up compaction
Site traffic squeezes soil so hard that water sits on top and roots can't get down. Loosening the top layer is what stops a new lawn turning boggy in winter or brown in summer.
Levelling and grading
Dips and ridges are evened out, and a gentle fall kept away from the house so rain runs off rather than pooling.
Topsoil where needed
If the soil layer is too thin or poor, topsoil is spread and levelled so the turf has something good to grow into.
Laying, rolling and edging
Rolls are laid in a staggered pattern with tight joints, rolled for firm contact with the soil, and the edges cut neatly to paths, patios and drives.
In and out
What's included
Included where your garden needs it
- Builders' debris cleared from the surface
- Compacted ground broken up
- Levelling and grading for an even finish
- Topsoil added where the existing layer is thin
- Turf supplied and laid with tight joints
- Rolled for good soil contact
- Edges cut neatly to paths, drives and patios
- Waste from the prep taken away
- Watering and first-mow guidance
Not included
- Paving, patios or paths
- Fencing, walls or decking
- Planting schemes and borders
- Artificial grass
What shapes your quote
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lawn area | The amount of turf and the time to prepare and lay it. |
| Ground condition | Compaction, debris and the depth of existing soil decide how much preparation is needed. |
| Topsoil | Thin or poor soil needs topping up before turf goes down. |
| Slopes and levels | Steeper gardens can need more grading. |
| Access | A side gate is the usual way in; tell us if the only route is through the house. |
| Old turf | Poor builders' turf can be lifted and taken away first. |
Every quote is worked out for your garden, so you can see what's included.
Questions about the preparation
What does ground preparation include?
Clearing builders' debris from the surface, breaking up ground compacted by site traffic, levelling and grading, adding topsoil where the existing layer is too thin, then rolling. Your quote lists each part.
My builder left lots of rubble. Is that included?
Surface debris cleared during preparation is included and taken away. Larger amounts of builders' rubble are priced separately, and your quote shows it if it's needed.
Can you replace poor builders' turf?
Yes. Old turf can be lifted and taken away where needed, the ground prepared properly, and new turf laid.
Do you lay patios or paths?
No. New Build Turfing is turfing only: ground preparation and turf. Turf is cut neatly to any paths, patios or drives already there.