Edinburgh · Midlothian · The Lothians
Turfing in Edinburgh & the Lothians
New lawns laid on cleared, levelled and properly prepared ground, so the turf roots well and stays flat.
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Our turfing in Edinburgh covers new lawns and lawn replacements – clearing, levelling and preparing the ground before laying quality turf so it roots well.
New turf looks good on the day whatever's underneath. The difference shows a few months later. Turf rolled out over compacted clay, stones and builder's rubble struggles to root, dries out in summer, stays waterlogged in winter and ends up bumpy and patchy. Most of the work in a good lawn is the preparation.
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Turfing in Edinburgh, with the ground prepared properly first
- 1
Clear
Old grass, weeds and debris removed. On new-build plots we dig out buried rubble and stones.
- 2
Break up compaction
Compacted ground is dug or rotavated so roots and water can get down.
- 3
Improve the soil
Where topsoil is thin or poor, we add quality topsoil to give the turf a proper depth to root into.
- 4
Level
The ground is raked and firmed to an even level, with a gentle fall where drainage needs it.
- 5
Lay
Turf laid in a staggered pattern, joints butted tight, cut neatly to edges.
- 6
Roll and water
Rolled to bed it in, then watered thoroughly.
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Lawn drainage
Edinburgh's heavier soils and wet winters mean many lawns stay soggy. If water sits on your lawn after rain, turfing alone won't solve it. Depending on the garden, we might add topsoil to raise the level, improve the soil structure, install a soakaway or lay a drainage run. We'll look at it at the site visit.
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Edging the lawn
A crisp edge makes a lawn look finished and makes mowing easier. We can add a brick, block, stone or steel edge to separate the lawn from beds, paths and patios. A mowing strip of paving just below lawn level lets you run the mower right to the edge.
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When to turf
Turf can be laid most of the year, but it roots best in spring and autumn when the ground is moist and not too cold. In summer it needs a lot of watering; in hard frost or waterlogged ground we wait. If your garden work is happening in winter, we can do the hard landscaping first and turf in spring.
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Looking after new turf
Water daily in dry weather for the first two to three weeks
Keep off it as much as possible for the first few weeks
First mow on a high setting once it's rooted, usually after two to three weeks
Don't let it dry out: gaps between rolls are a sign it needs more water
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Turfing as part of a bigger job
Turfing is often the last step in a garden project, after a new patio, walls or fencing. Doing it together means the levels all line up, and the lawn isn't damaged by work after it's laid. See landscaping and garden design.
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Where we lay turf
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians. New-build gardens in Livingston, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith are some of the most common jobs, because the original lawns were laid over compacted ground.
Turfing FAQs
How long does turfing take?
Most back gardens can be prepared and turfed in one to three days, depending on size and how much clearing is needed.
Can you turf over my old lawn?
Laying new turf straight over old grass rarely works well. We clear and prepare the ground first.
Should I choose turf or seed?
Turf gives an instant lawn and is less vulnerable to birds and weeds. Seed is cheaper but takes longer to establish.
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Get a quote for turfing
Send a photo of the area and a rough size. Call or text 07426 792387 or request a free quote.
Free quotes
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call or text 07426 792387, or send photos through the quote form.