A new lawn can transform a tired garden. The question is whether to lay turf or sow seed, and whether to do it yourself or hire someone.
The materials are often the smaller part of the bill.
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Turf
Rolled turf gives an instant green lawn and can be walked on lightly within a few weeks. It costs considerably more per square metre than seed, must be laid within a day or so of delivery, and needs frequent watering until it roots.
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Seed
Seed costs a fraction of turf and gives you more choice of grass mixes — shade-tolerant, hard-wearing, or fine ornamental. It takes several weeks to establish and a couple of months before it can handle regular use. Birds and weeds can be a problem early on.
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What preparation involves
- ✿Removing the old lawn and weeds
- ✿Digging or rotavating and removing stones
- ✿Adding topsoil where needed and levelling
- ✿Firming and raking to a fine tilth
- ✿Disposing of waste, which can be a significant cost
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DIY or professional
A professional landscaper’s price includes labour, machinery, and waste removal, and many guarantee the result. DIY saves money but is heavy work, and hiring a turf cutter and skip adds up. Uneven preparation is the most common reason a new lawn disappoints.
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Best time to do it
Early autumn and spring are ideal for both turf and seed, when the soil is warm and moist. Summer lawns need a lot of watering; winter lawns are slow to root.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.