Turf Over Old Grass
Laying directly over existing growth blocks rooting, leaving turf yellow and patchy within months.
Strip & Clear First
A turf cutter removes the old surface completely, so roots reach prepared soil from day one.
New Lawns
Turfing & Lawns in Cambridge
A flat, rooted lawn ready to use, ground clearance, topsoil and laying all included in one quoted scope.
- Separate Line Items
- 100mm Topsoil Included
- No Hidden Prep Costs
What Goes Wrong
Why some new lawns fail within a season
The turf itself is rarely the problem, it is what happens underneath it before the first roll goes down.
Compacted Cambridge Clay
Clay-heavy ground drains slowly; turf laid without drainage work sits waterlogged and rots at the roots.
Drainage Assessment
Ground drainage is checked before topsoil goes down, and soil improver is worked in where needed.
Shallow Topsoil Layer
Less than 100mm of topsoil starves roots of depth, causing the lawn to fail in dry or cold spells.
100mm Minimum Depth
A levelled 100mm topsoil and soil improver layer gives roots the structure to establish in the first season.
Prep Quoted Separately
Some quotes exclude clearance and levelling, so the final cost rises sharply once work is underway.
All-In Quoted Scope
Weed removal, levelling and topsoil supply are included in the quoted price before any work begins.
Scope of Work
What the turfing service covers
From bare or weedy ground through to a finished, rolled lawn, each element quoted as a separate line item.
Ground Clearance & Weed Removal
Old turf, weeds and roots stripped using a turf cutter, with persistent weeds treated before soil work begins.
Soil Preparation & Levelling
Topsoil and soil improver graded to a minimum 100mm depth, firmed and levelled ready for turf.
Turf Supply & Laying
Turf laid in staggered joints, rolled to remove air pockets, edges cut to shape and watered in on the day.
Drainage Assessment
Clay or compacted ground checked for drainage issues before topsoil is placed.
New Build Garden Lawns
Compacted or rubble-filled plots cleared and prepared for turf.
Lawn Replacement
Tired, patchy or weedy lawns stripped and relaid.
Topsoil Supply
Topsoil and soil improver sourced and graded on site.
Lawn Rolling & Finishing
Turf firmed, edges trimmed and joins pressed down.
Why Choose Us
Why Cambridge Lawn & Landscaping for turfing?
Accountability built into the quote, not promised after the work is done.
Separate Quote for Every Element
Turf, topsoil, clearance and levelling are each a separate line item so nothing is hidden.
Prep Costs Fixed Upfront
Ground clearance and topsoil are priced before work starts, not added as the job progresses.
Local Ground Conditions Known
Cambridge clay and new build compaction are assessed at survey, not discovered on the day.
Checked, Then Quoted
The ground survey and quote happen directly, with no middle step.
Survey Before Any Commitment
A site visit checks levels, drainage and soil depth before a price is agreed.
The Process
From enquiry to finished lawn in three steps
Describe Your Garden
Tell us the plot size, current ground condition and how you want to use the lawn.
Survey & Quote
A site visit assesses drainage, soil depth and clearance needed, then quotes each element separately.
Prepare, Lay & Finish
Old growth is stripped, topsoil laid and levelled, turf rolled out, firmed and watered in on the day.
Pricing Estimates
Typical Turfing & Lawns Prices
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| New lawn | £600-£1,440 |
| Lawn levelling and turfing | £1,200-£2,500 |
| Larger lawn installation | £2,500-£4,500 |
| Full garden lawn refresh | £4,500-£6,000 |
Common Questions
Questions about turfing in Cambridge
Why is my lawn patchy or full of weeds and needs replacing?
Patchy lawns usually result from compacted soil, poor drainage, shade, or years of weed competition weakening the grass. Once weeds dominate or bare patches spread widely, overseeding rarely recovers the lawn fully. Lifting the old surface and laying fresh turf on properly prepared ground gives a clean, even result.
Do I need to remove the old grass before you lay new turf?
Yes, the existing grass and weeds must be removed before new turf goes down. Laying over old growth traps organic matter that rots beneath the turf, prevents roots from binding to the soil, and lets weeds push back through. Stripping the old surface is a standard part of the preparation process.
Can turf be laid straight onto topsoil, or does the ground need more work first?
Turf cannot simply be dropped onto bare topsoil without preparation. The ground needs to be cleared of debris and weeds, broken up to relieve compaction, levelled, and firmed before the turf goes down. Skipping these steps leads to an uneven surface, poor root contact, and turf that dries out or dies in patches.
What should be done before laying turf?
The area should be cleared of old grass, weeds, and debris, then the soil broken up and any low spots filled. The surface is raked level, lightly firmed, and checked for drainage issues before turf is laid. A top dressing of quality topsoil is added where the existing soil is thin or poor.
How much ground preparation do I need before turf goes down?
Most gardens need the old surface stripped, the soil loosened to around 100-150mm, levels corrected, and the ground firmed and raked smooth. Gardens with heavy clay, significant slopes, or very poor soil need more work, including drainage improvements or additional topsoil, before the turf is laid.
Will you clear, level and tidy the area as part of the job?
Yes, clearing and levelling the area is part of the turfing work. The old surface is stripped, the ground prepared and levelled, and the turf laid to a neat finish. Waste from the clearance is removed from site as part of the job.
What makes a turfing quote change?
The main factors are the area to be turfed, the amount of ground preparation needed, whether topsoil must be brought in, and how much waste needs removing. Awkward access, significant levelling, or drainage work all add to the scope. Turf is quoted separately from other elements such as paths or fencing.
Will the new lawn be level, neat and ready to use when you finish?
The finished lawn will be level, trimmed to clean edges, and firmed ready for establishment. It needs two to three weeks of regular watering before it can take foot traffic. Rushing that period risks the turf lifting or dying back before the roots have bonded to the soil.
Which areas do you cover for Turfing & Lawns?
We cover Turfing & Lawns in and around Cambridge, including Trumpington, Great Shelford, Sawston, Fulbourn, Histon, Cottenham, Waterbeach, Cambourne and Northstowe. If your area isn’t listed, send us a quick message to check.
Tell Us About Your Garden
Describe the plot, the soil and how you want to use the space. We schedule a ground survey and quote turf, topsoil and preparation as separate line items.