A new lawn is mostly preparation. Get the ground right and both turf and seed will succeed. Get it wrong and neither will.
Prep
- Clear weeds and debris, and break up compacted ground.
- Add 100–150 mm of screened topsoil where the existing soil is poor.
- Rake level, firm the surface by treading or rolling, and rake again.
- Apply a pre-seed or pre-turf fertiliser.
Turf: quantities
Turf is sold in rolls of about 1 m², by the pallet of 40–60 rolls. Order the area plus 5% for trimming curves and edges. Lay it within a day of delivery.
Seed: quantities
New lawns are usually sown at 35–50 g/m², and overseeding at 15–25 g/m². Check the pack for its recommended rate.
Timing
Early autumn is ideal for seed in the UK. Turf can be laid most of the year, except in frost or drought.
This guide is general information for estimating. It is not engineering, legal or tax advice. Check the Building Regulations and Building Control for your project.