New turf lawns in Doncaster, prepared properly
Bumpy, patchy lawns are usually the result of turf being laid straight onto whatever was there. On new-build plots in Doncaster that is often compacted subsoil and builders' rubble with a thin dusting of topsoil on top. Water sits on it in winter and it bakes hard in summer. The fix is in the preparation.
We strip the old grass and weeds, dig or rotavate the ground, pull out stones and debris, and bring in quality screened topsoil where the existing soil is poor or too thin. The area is then raked, rolled and raked again until it is properly level, with a pre-turf fertiliser worked in so the roots have something to grow into.
Laying the turf
Turf is ordered fresh for the day and laid in staggered rows like brickwork, with the joints pushed up tight. We work off boards so the prepared soil is not trodden down, trim edges to clean curves or straight lines, and finish with a good soaking. Turf left rolled up in the sun starts to yellow within a day, which is why we time delivery to the job.
Aftercare
- Water every day for the first two weeks unless it rains properly. Lift a corner; the soil underneath should be damp.
- Keep off it as much as possible for two to three weeks while the roots take.
- First cut on a high setting once the grass is around 7 to 8cm and the turf is rooted.
- Avoid heavy wear, such as football, until it has had a few weeks to establish.
Lawns on heavy or wet ground
Parts of Doncaster, especially lower lying areas near the Don and out towards Thorne and Hatfield, have a high water table or heavy soil. A lawn there needs help to drain. Depending on the garden, that can mean mixing in sharp sand, raising the level slightly with topsoil, or fitting a simple land drain to a soakaway. If a lawn will never cope with the conditions, we will say so, and artificial grass may be the better option.
Lawn edges
A clean edge makes a lawn look finished and stops it creeping into beds and gravel. We can fit timber, steel or aluminium edging, or a row of setts or blocks that a mower can run along, so edging becomes a quick job rather than a weekly chore.
Turfing can be done for most of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal. In a hot, dry spell it needs more watering; in frozen or waterlogged conditions we wait for the ground to recover.
Turfing and new lawns across the Doncaster area
We cover Doncaster town and the villages around it, including Tickhill, Bawtry, Thorne, Hatfield, Conisbrough, Mexborough, Edlington, Edenthorpe and more. If you are not sure whether you are in our area, ring 01422 774538 with your postcode.
Questions about turfing and new lawns
When is the best time to lay turf?
Spring and autumn give turf the best start, because the ground is warm and moist. It can be laid most of the year, but summer turf needs more watering and frozen or waterlogged ground has to wait.
Is turf better than seed?
Turf gives you a usable lawn in a few weeks and is less affected by birds and weeds. Seed is cheaper but takes much longer to establish. For most gardens, turf is the more reliable choice.
Can you level a sloping garden for a lawn?
Yes. Gentle slopes can be regraded. Steeper ones may need sleepers or a retaining wall to create level areas. We will look at the options at the visit.
Do you cut lawns too?
Yes. We offer grass cutting and lawn tidying, including one-off visits and regular maintenance. See our garden maintenance page.
