New build gardens
Ask what is under the surface before you buy turf. Many new build plots have only a thin layer of topsoil over clay and rubble, which needs dealing with if the lawn is to thrive.
New lawn installation
Turf laying in Norwich for brand new lawns
Turf Norwich lays new lawns across Norwich and Norfolk on ground that has never had a lawn, or has been cleared and reshaped, preparing the soil so the turf roots quickly.
Laying a lawn where there was none before
Turf laying is the job for gardens starting from scratch. A new build home often hands over a garden of compacted subsoil and buried rubble with a thin dusting of topsoil on top. A garden makeover leaves fresh shapes to fill. A family moving away from gravel or overgrown beds wants grass instead. In each case the ground has to be made fit for a lawn before any turf arrives.
We lay new lawns for homeowners, landlords and small developers around Norwich. Ready grown turf gives you a usable, green lawn far sooner than seed and hides the mess of a building site straight away. Laid on a proper bed, it roots down quickly and becomes a lawn that copes with family life.
Included with new turf laying
Depending on what the ground needs, new lawn installation usually includes:
- Clearing debris, rubble and large stones from the area
- Breaking up compacted ground left by diggers and site traffic
- Bringing in topsoil to give the roots a good depth to grow into
- Setting levels and falls so water runs away from the house
- Firming and raking to a fine, even finish
- Laying fresh turf cut neatly round paths, beds and trees
- Turf rolled after laying and watered in
Planning a new lawn
Shape and size
Think about how you will use the lawn and mow it. Gentle curves are easier to mow than tight corners, and a strip narrower than a mower is hard to keep tidy.
Drains, cables and pipes
Tell us about any drains, soakaways, cables or pipes you know of in the garden so the ground can be worked safely around them.
Paths and borders first
If you are also adding a patio, path or beds, it is easiest to build those first and lay the lawn last, so the new turf is not walked over by other trades.
Good to know about new turf
Turf is laid the day it arrives
Rolls of turf start to yellow if left stacked for long, so deliveries are timed to be laid straight away.
Joints close up as it roots
Fine lines between rolls are normal at first and disappear as the grass grows together, as long as the lawn is kept well watered.
Settling is normal on new ground
Freshly moved soil can settle slightly in its first season. Light top dressing in autumn evens out any small dips.
Shade changes the grass you need
Under trees or beside tall fences, grass grows thinner. Mention shady areas so the right turf and preparation can be planned.
How turf laying runs
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Step 1: Survey
We visit, look at the ground, the levels and the access, and agree the shape of the new lawn with you.
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Step 2: Groundwork
The area is cleared, compaction broken up and topsoil brought in and spread where needed.
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Step 3: Levelling
The bed is levelled, firmed and raked so the turf sits flat and drains well.
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Step 4: Turfing
New turf is laid in tight, staggered rows, trimmed to shape, rolled and watered in, with aftercare guidance given.
FAQs
Questions people ask about turf laying
Something else on your mind? Ask us when you request your quote, or call 01603 265243.
Can you lay turf on a new build garden?
Yes, it is one of the most common jobs we are asked about. The key is checking the ground first, because builders often leave rubble and compacted subsoil just below the surface.
How much topsoil does a new lawn need?
Turf roots best with a good depth of loose topsoil beneath it. We check what is already there and only add what the ground needs.
Can turf be laid on clay soil?
It can, with the right preparation. Clay needs breaking up and often improving at the surface so that roots can get in and water can drain.
Can you lay turf around trees?
We can cut turf neatly round trees and beds. Grass under dense trees will always be thinner, so we may suggest a bed or mulch circle right at the trunk.
Is turf better than seed for a new garden?
For most families turf is the better choice because the lawn is green and usable much sooner and weeds have less chance to get in. Seed suits large or very shady areas.
What happens if it does not rain after laying?
You will need to water it yourself. A new lawn needs a good soak most evenings in dry weather for its first few weeks.
Other lawn work we do
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Lawn replacement
Out with the tired lawn, in with fresh turf on properly prepared ground.
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Lawn levelling
Bumps, dips and slopes taken out so the lawn mows and drains evenly.
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Lawn seeding
Seed sown on a prepared bed for larger areas and patchy lawns.
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Artificial grass
A green lawn with no mowing, laid on a firm, free draining base.
Ready for a lawn you are proud of?
Tell us about your garden and we will come and look, measure up and give you a free quote. No subcontracting: the team that quotes is the team that lays.