How much does it cost to turf a garden? [November 2024]

How much does the actual turf cost?

Turf is typically priced per sq. metre, with the cost varying based on the turf quality. Budget turf usually starts at around £2 per m²,  while premium turf tops out at around £7  per m².

You can either purchase the turf yourself or have your gardener source it locally, which will then be added to your final bill. Keep in mind that a 20-25% markup is common to cover the gardener's time and sourcing expenses. If you choose to purchase the turf yourself, note that it should be laid within 24 hours of delivery for best results. 

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for grass turf per m². 

Interested in artificial turf? Check out our synthetic lawn cost guide for detailed cost breakdowns for laying artificial turf.

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Are there any other costs to consider when turfing a garden?

Before you can lay grass turf, proper soil preparation is needed to ensure the new turf establishes roots well and grows healthily. Most gardeners will include this as part of the turfing service. Depending on the size of your garden and the condition of the soil, proper prep can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. 

Weeds and old grass must be removed in order to prevent competition for nutrients. If your lawn is overgrown and unmaintained, this may take a while to clear. The soil also needs to be levelled to create a smooth, firm surface. A flat surface helps the turf root evenly and prevents water from pooling in low areas.

It’s best to apply fertilizer about a week before laying the turf to ensure optimal conditions for healthy root growth. If your soil is especially poor in quaility, a layer of topsoil is also reccomended.^[1] Topsoil can range in price from £60-£120 depending on quality. 

You can choose to prepare the soil yourself, or you can add this onto your professional gardening service to save the hassle. 

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Which is better for my garden: artificial turf or real grass?

Deciding between artificial or real grass turf is likely the biggest choice you'll make when turfing your garden. What's best for your garden will usually depend on your lifestyle and budget. 

Real grass turf 

Real grass turf is currently the most popular choice across the UK. It’s usually cheaper to install than artificial turf and is favoured among those who prefer a natural look and feel. It’s also great for keeping the biodiversity in your garden. 

However, after the initial installation, you'll need to water the turf regularly for up to 4 weeks to ensure proper root establishment and healthy growth. Following that, ongoing upkeep is necessary to maintain its lush appearance, including mowing, watering, and weeding. This maintenance can not only be time-consuming and may also increase your water bill over time.

If not properly maintained, your lawn can become overgrown, yellow or patchy. Therefore, if you're not ready to commit to regular lawn care, a synthetic lawn might be a more suitable option for you. 
 

Artificial turf

Due to its low maintenance, artificial turf is becoming increasingly popular. Whilst it’s usually more expensive to install than grass turf, you won’t need to worry about mowing, watering or everything else that comes along with real turf. A synthetic lawn is usually softer and more cushioned than real grass turf, meaning it's typically safer for younger children to play on. They’re also a popular choice for gardens that are more sheltered or receive little sunlight, where maintaining a green lawn can be challenging.

Synthetic lawns still require some regular maintenance. Unlike real grass, artificial turf doesn’t have self-cleaning properties, so it should be cleaned manually every few weeks, with a deeper clean a few times a year. This can mean a synthetic lawn may not be a great choice for those houseolds with pets.

While modern artificial turf has become much more realistic in appearance, it still can't fully replicate the authentic look and feel of natural grass. Cheaper artificial turf options, in particular, can often appear overly vibrant or 'fake' in color. 

For more detailed information on the costs and benefits of artificial turf, check out our comprehensive synthetic lawn cost guide.

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When is the best time to turf a garden?

Due to the moderate rainfall and mild temperatures, mid-autumn is usually the best time to turf a garden.^[2] These prime conditions allow for healthy root development and establishment. 

If mid-autumn isn’t feasible, early spring is the second-best option. Rainy spells and warming soil support turf to settle before the heat of summer arrives. However, approach turfing in spring with caution as warmer weather can dry out your turf and will require more frequent watering. 

Turfing is not recommended in winter (December to February), as frost can slow or damage root growth. Similarly, the summer months (June to August) should be avoided, as the intense heat can dry out the turf, making it harder for roots to establish. ^[3]

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What are the benefits of hiring a gardener to turf my garden?

Professional gardeners have the hands-on experience to lay new turf correctly so it lasts for many years. They have the expertise to turf tricker-shaped gardens and can get the job done a lot quicker than the average person.  

They’ll also advise on how to look after your new turf after installation. This is especially important for real grass, as the first few months after laying your turf are crucial for root establishment.

Many professional gardeners guarantee their work, usually giving 72 hours to report any issues. If the problem is due to their work, they’ll fix it for free. 

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Where can I find a gardener to turf my garden?

There are many ways to find a trusted gardener. If any friends or family have had any gardening work done recently, it’s worth asking them for a recommendation. Many garden centres will usually be able to recommend a professional gardener or will even offer services themselves. 

If you’d like a quick and easy way to find a trusted gardener, you can book with a professional tradesperson service, such as Housekeep. With just a few taps, we’ll match you with an experienced, vetted gardener at a time that suits you. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll give you a price. It’s as simple as that. 
 

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