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How Much Does Turf Cost to Lay?

Breaking Down the Expenses of Laying a New Lawn

making new lawn using roll grass

Transforming your outdoor space into a green paradise is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s an investment in your property’s aesthetic and functional appeal. Laying turf offers an immediate solution to achieving a vibrant, lush lawn that adds value to your property and contributes to a healthier environment. Whether you’re looking to create a cosy backyard retreat, a safe play area for children, or simply want to boost your curb appeal, turf installation can meet your landscaping needs.

However, the cost of laying turf is not a one-size-fits-all figure. Several key factors come into play when determining the final rate of your new lawn. In this blog, we’ll explore these variables in detail, offering insights into how much you can expect to spend on laying turf and how to get the best value for your investment. By understanding what influences turf laying costs, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and landscaping goals.

Key Factors Influencing Turf Laying Costs

When considering laying rolls of turf to beautify your outdoor space, it’s essential to understand the various factors that can affect the overall cost. The price of installing a new lawn is influenced by several variables, from the type of turf you choose to the location of your property.

Here’s a closer look at these key factors:

Quality and type of Turf

The quality and type of turf play a significant role in determining the overall cost. Premium turf varieties such as luxury or fine fescue may come at a higher price due to their superior quality and appearance. Additionally, factors such as durability, drought resistance, and suitability to local climate conditions can impact turf prices.

Area Size

The size of the area where you plan to lay turf directly impacts the cost. Larger areas require more materials and labour, increasing the overall price. It’s important to accurately measure your lawn to estimate the amount of turf rolls needed, keeping in mind that buying in bulk can sometimes reduce the cost per square foot or metre.

Preparation Work Required

Before laying new turf, your land must be properly prepared. This preparation can include soil testing, removal of old grass or weeds, levelling, and improving soil quality such as integrating lawn fertilisers or root zone soil. Also, uneven terrain may require extensive soil amendment, levelling, or drainage solutions before turf installation can commence. These preparatory tasks can incur extra expenses but are essential for ensuring the long-term success of the turf.

The extent of this preparatory work varies based on the current condition of your outdoor space and can significantly affect the project’s cost. Skipping this step might reduce immediate expenses but can lead to more maintenance issues and expenses later on.

Geographic Location

Your geographic location can influence both the cost of the turf itself and the labour costs for installation. Prices for grass turf rolls and installation services can vary widely across different regions due to factors like the availability of certain turf types, local demand, and the cost of living. For instance, areas with extreme climates might have limited turf options that are more expensive than those available in milder regions.

Labour Costs

Deciding between professional installation and a DIY approach can also affect your budget. Opting to lay the turf yourself can save money on labour expenses but requires a significant time investment and the risk of potential mistakes that could incur additional costs down the line.

On the other hand, hiring professionals ensures proper turf installation, including tasks such as site preparation, laying the turf rolls,  proper watering and care post-installation. Skilled labour may come at a higher cost but can provide peace of mind and ensure quality results.

Additional Costs to Consider

When planning to lay new turf in your outdoor space, focusing solely on the immediate costs of turf and installation can lead you to underestimate the total investment required. Beyond these initial expenses, there are several additional costs that homeowners should consider to ensure a successful and sustainable lawn transformation.

Here’s a closer look at these often-overlooked aspects:

Irrigation System

Ensuring your new turf receives adequate water is crucial for its establishment and long-term health. Depending on your property’s current setup, you may need to install a new irrigation system or modify an existing one to meet the needs of your turf. The cost can vary widely based on the size of your lawn, the type of irrigation system (e.g., sprinkler, drip), and the complexity of the installation. While this may represent a significant upfront investment, the right irrigation system can save you time and improve water efficiency over the long run.

Edging and Landscaping Features

Edging serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose by delineating your lawn from garden beds, pathways, or driveways. It can be made from various materials like metal, stone, brick, or plastic, each with different price points. Including landscaping features such as flower beds, shrubs, or trees can further enhance the appeal and value of your outdoor area but will also add to the overall cost. Planning these features in conjunction with turf laying can lead to better design cohesion and cost efficiency.

Long Term Lawn Care and Maintenance Costs

The type of lawn turf you choose not only affects the initial cost but also influences ongoing maintenance expenses. Some turf varieties require more frequent mowing, fertilisation, aeration, and pest control than others. Assessing these costs beforehand can help you select a turf that fits both your budget and lifestyle.

Investing in quality grass rolls and turf laying services can yield a beautiful and durable lawn. However, it’s important to factor in the costs of irrigation, landscaping enhancements, and ongoing maintenance to create a comprehensive budget for your lawn project. By considering these additional expenses, you can ensure a thriving lawn that complements your outdoor living space for years to come.

Ground Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Ground preparation is crucial for successful seeding, akin to a sturdy foundation for a building. Before seeding, ensure the soil is properly prepped. Begin with soil testing to gauge pH levels and nutrients. Remove weeds and debris that hinder growth, then till the soil to improve aeration and drainage. Incorporate organic matter for fertility and moisture retention. Finally, level the ground for uniform seeding.

By investing time and effort into ground preparation, you’re laying the groundwork for a successful seeding project. While it may seem like the most labour-intensive or expensive part of the job, the benefits it provides in terms of plant health and productivity are well worth it.

Make Your Turf Laying Project a Success with Turffit

Understanding the factors influencing turf laying costs is essential for planning a successful project. From the quality and type of lawn turf to labour expenses and additional materials, each component contributes to the overall cost. By comprehensively assessing these factors, homeowners can make informed decisions and ensure their turf laying project stays within budget.

Importance of considering all factors before laying turf: While cost is a significant consideration, it’s essential to balance affordability with quality and long-term results. Rushing into turf laying without thorough planning and consideration of all relevant factors can lead to subpar outcomes and potential additional expenses down the line. Taking the time to assess turf options, plan the project meticulously, and budget accordingly can ultimately result in a more successful and cost-effective turf laying experience.

If you are looking for professional guidance and assistance with your turf laying project, Turffit offers expertise, quality turf grass, lawn maintenance products, and reliable services. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your landscaping goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

Whether you need advice on turf selection, assistance with ground preparation, or professional turf laying services, call us at  01592 869 000 for a FREE quotation today!

If you would like more information from one of Scotland's leading turf suppliers,
don't hesitate to get in touch with turffit today for a free consultation and quotation. Call: 01592 869 000