Questions & answers
The things people ask us.
Grouped so you can jump to what matters — planning a new lawn, looking after it once it's laid, and the turf and ground beneath it. Honest answers from 22 years of laying turf across Surrey.
Planning your new lawn
When is the best time of year to lay new turf?
Turf can be laid almost all year round in the UK, but autumn and spring are ideal — the soil is warm and there's natural moisture to help it root without you having to water constantly. Summer laying is perfectly possible too, it just needs more watering while it establishes. Winter is fine as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. Whenever you're thinking of, get in touch and we'll advise honestly on timing for your garden.
How much does a new turf lawn cost?
It depends on the size of the area, the state of the existing ground, access, and the grade of turf you choose — which is exactly why we come and look before quoting rather than giving a number over the phone. What our customers consistently say is that the quote was fair and competitive with no surprises. Ground preparation is included in the quote, not added on afterwards.
Do you remove the old lawn and prepare the ground, or just lay turf?
We do the whole job. Laying turf straight over an old lawn or rough ground is exactly why so many lawns fail. We strip out the old surface, clear debris, roots and stones, level and grade the site and lay a quality topsoil base before any turf goes down. That preparation is the part customers most often mention in reviews, and it's the reason the lawns we lay last.
After your turf is laid
How long before I can walk on my new lawn?
Keep off it as much as you can for the first two to three weeks while the roots knit into the soil beneath. After that, light use is fine, and it'll tolerate normal wear once it's fully established — usually within about six weeks in good growing conditions. We'll give you clear guidance on your specific lawn before we leave.
How often should I water newly laid turf?
Watering is the single most important thing you do in the first fortnight. Water thoroughly every day for the first two weeks — ideally early morning or evening — so the water reaches right through the turf into the soil below, not just the surface. Then ease off gradually as it roots. In hot or dry spells you may need to water more; we talk every customer through a simple watering schedule on the day.
When can I make the first cut?
Wait until the turf has rooted and the grass is actively growing — usually around two to three weeks, when it no longer lifts if you gently tug a corner. Make the first cut a light one with sharp blades, taking only the top off, and never scalp new turf. James is known for coming back to carry out that crucial first cut himself so it's done right.
Turf, ground & guarantees
What kind of turf do you use, and where does it come from?
We source freshly-cut, UK-grown turf from trusted suppliers rather than long-haul or held stock, so it arrives green and ready to root. We can lay economy, mid-range or premium grades depending on your budget and how the lawn will be used, plus specialist options like wildflower and clover turf. We'll always recommend honestly rather than up-selling you the dearest option.
My garden is uneven, shaded or heavy clay — can you still lay a good lawn?
Yes — that's what proper ground preparation is for. Uneven ground gets levelled and graded, heavy clay gets broken up and improved with a topsoil base for drainage and rooting, and for shaded areas we can advise on a more shade-tolerant turf. A difficult garden isn't a reason to settle for a poor lawn; it's the reason to prepare the ground properly.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly — or request a free quote and we'll answer everything in person while we look at your garden.