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Ordering new turf can feel like the exciting part of creating a new lawn. You choose the grass, arrange delivery and imagine a fresh, green garden. But there is an important step that is easy to overlook: preparation.
Knowing what should you do before ordering new turf can save you wasted money, rushed decisions and problems after installation. Turf is a living product, so it needs to be ordered at the right time, delivered when you’re ready and laid onto properly prepared ground.
For Cornwall homeowners, local conditions also matter. Soil, drainage, rainfall, exposure and how the lawn will be used can all influence your choice.
Whether you’re replacing a tired lawn or starting from bare ground, this guide explains the practical steps to take before ordering your new turf.
Measure the Area Before Ordering
One of the first things to do is work out how much turf you actually need.
Measure the length and width of each reasonably regular section of lawn and calculate the area in square metres. For an irregular garden, divide the lawn into smaller rectangles or squares and calculate them separately.
Add the individual measurements together to get your approximate total.
It is sensible to allow a small amount extra for trimming around curves, borders and awkward corners. However, ordering far more than necessary can create unnecessary waste.
Before ordering, make sure you have:
- Total lawn area
- Measurements of irregular sections
- Access dimensions for delivery
- An idea of where the turf will be stored temporarily
Accurate measurements make ordering and installation much easier.
Decide What Type of Turf You Need
Not every lawn has the same purpose.
A decorative garden may need a different turf specification from a family lawn that will regularly experience children, pets and foot traffic.
Think about how you’ll actually use the space.
Family Gardens
If the lawn will receive regular activity, look for a suitable hard-wearing option.
Ornamental Gardens
If appearance is your priority and foot traffic is relatively light, an ornamental grass option may be more appropriate.
Meadow Areas
For a more natural appearance, meadow grass can create a very different character from a traditional closely mown lawn.
Laingscape provides different turf options, including quality seeded turf, ornamental grass, mid-range turf, hard-wearing turf and meadow grass.
Choosing based on use rather than appearance alone can help your new lawn perform better.
Inspect the Existing Lawn
If you’re replacing an existing lawn, don’t order turf until you’ve assessed what is already there.
Look at the condition of the grass and the underlying ground.
Is the lawn:
- Patchy?
- Waterlogged?
- Compacted?
- Full of weeds?
- Uneven?
- Bare in several areas?
- Poorly drained?
These signs may indicate that simply covering the area with new turf won’t solve the underlying problem.
For example, if water regularly collects in the same area, the issue may involve drainage or levels rather than the grass itself.
Identifying these problems beforehand gives you an opportunity to address them during preparation.
Prepare the Ground Properly
Perhaps the most important answer to what should you do before ordering new turf is to make sure the ground will actually be ready when the turf arrives.
New turf should be laid onto suitable, prepared soil rather than an unmanaged existing lawn.
Preparation may involve:
- Removing old grass and weeds
- Clearing stones and debris
- Improving poor soil
- Addressing drainage problems
- Levelling the surface
- Firming the soil
- Creating a suitable final surface
The finished ground should be reasonably level and firm without becoming excessively compacted.
Professional turf installation focuses heavily on this stage because good soil contact is essential for successful establishment.
Check Your Soil and Drainage
Healthy turf needs more than water. It also needs suitable soil conditions.
Heavy or compacted soil can create drainage problems, while very poor or sandy soil may struggle to retain enough moisture.
Walk around your garden after rainfall and look for areas where water remains for noticeably longer than elsewhere.
If you regularly experience puddling, address the cause before ordering turf.
Cornwall’s wet periods make drainage particularly relevant for many gardens. However, individual properties differ, so the solution depends on the garden’s soil, levels and existing drainage arrangements.
If you’re unsure, getting professional advice before installation can prevent you from covering up a problem that will later affect the lawn.
Think About Access Before Delivery
A surprisingly common practical issue is access.
Turf arrives in rolls or sections and needs to be moved from the delivery point to the prepared lawn area. If your garden is behind a narrow passage, through a house or over difficult ground, this needs to be considered beforehand.
Check:
- Gate width
- Path access
- Steps
- Narrow passages
- Distance from delivery point to garden
- Temporary storage space
Turf is heavy, particularly when freshly harvested and moist. Planning access in advance can make installation much more efficient.
If access is particularly difficult, professional installation may be the more practical option.
Order Turf at the Right Time
Turf shouldn’t normally be ordered weeks before you’re ready to use it.
It is a living product and should be laid as soon as reasonably possible after delivery. Leaving rolls stacked for too long can cause them to heat up and deteriorate.
Before placing your order, make sure:
- Ground preparation is complete
- You know the required quantity
- Delivery access is arranged
- You have enough time for installation
- Weather conditions are suitable
- You can water the new lawn afterwards
The exact timing will depend on the turf supplier, weather and project.
If you’re using a professional installer, coordinate the delivery with the installation date rather than ordering independently without a plan.
Plan Your Aftercare Before the Turf Arrives
Another important part of what should you do before ordering new turf is thinking beyond installation day.
New turf needs appropriate watering while its roots establish.
Before the turf arrives, make sure you have access to a suitable water supply and enough hose length to reach the entire lawn.
You should also know when the lawn can first be walked on and when mowing can begin.
The Royal Horticultural Society provides detailed guidance on establishing and caring for new lawns, including preparation, watering and mowing considerations.
Planning aftercare beforehand means you’re not trying to work everything out after the turf has already been laid.
Consider the Best Time for Your Garden
Turf can be installed during much of the year when conditions are suitable, but some periods are easier than others.
Spring and autumn can provide favourable conditions because temperatures are generally moderate and natural rainfall can support establishment.
Summer installation is possible, but watering becomes especially important during dry or hot periods.
Winter conditions can make ground preparation more difficult if soil is saturated, frozen or excessively wet.
Rather than choosing a date based purely on the calendar, consider the condition of the ground and the expected weather.
For Cornwall gardens, flexibility can be useful because local conditions can vary considerably between sheltered inland properties and more exposed locations.
Consider Professional Turf Installation
If you have limited time, difficult access or an uneven garden, professional installation can simplify the process.
At Laingscape, turf laying is part of our wider gardening and landscaping service. We can help with the practical stages, from preparing the ground to laying the turf and providing aftercare guidance.
Our turf options include:
- Quality seeded turf
- Ornamental grass
- Mid-range turf
- Hard-wearing turf
- Meadow grass
This allows the lawn to be selected according to the property’s requirements rather than simply choosing the first turf available.
You can explore our Turf Laying and Lawn Installation services when planning your project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Ordering Turf
A little preparation can prevent several avoidable problems.
Ordering Before the Ground Is Ready
Don’t arrange delivery until you’re confident the lawn area can be prepared and laid promptly.
Guessing the Quantity
Incorrect measurements can result in shortages or unnecessary waste.
Ignoring Drainage
New turf won’t automatically fix standing water or poor soil conditions.
Choosing Turf Based Only on Price
The cheapest option may not be the best fit for how you use your garden.
Forgetting Aftercare
Watering and early maintenance are part of establishing a successful lawn.
Leaving Turf Rolled Up
Once delivered, turf should not simply be left stacked while you finish preparation.
A Simple Pre-Turf Checklist
Before ordering, run through this quick checklist:
Area: Have you measured the lawn accurately?
Ground: Is the old grass removed and soil prepared?
Drainage: Are there any areas where water collects?
Turf: Have you selected grass appropriate for how the lawn will be used?
Access: Can the turf reach the prepared garden easily?
Timing: Can the turf be laid promptly after delivery?
Water: Can the whole lawn be watered effectively?
Aftercare: Do you know how you’ll look after it during establishment?
If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you’re in a much stronger position to place your order.
Need Help Preparing for a New Lawn?
If you’re still wondering what should you do before ordering new turf, Laingscape can help you assess the practical requirements of your garden.
Our experienced team has more than 20 years of hands-on gardening and landscaping experience across Cornwall. We provide turf laying alongside garden maintenance, landscaping, fencing and other outdoor services.
Whether you’re replacing a small domestic lawn or preparing a larger garden renovation, we can discuss your requirements and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
You can explore our Services or About page before getting in touch. Our Google Business Profile and Trustpilot presence can also provide additional insight into the customer experience and our wider work.
Call Laingscape: 07988 759149
Email: oliver@laingscape.co.uk
You can also review customer feedback through Laingscape’s Google Business Profile and Trustpilot presence when researching the company.
Conclusion
Understanding what should you do before ordering new turf is just as important as choosing the turf itself.
Measure the area accurately, assess your existing lawn, prepare the soil, check drainage, plan access and make sure you’re ready to lay and water the turf promptly. Most importantly, choose a grass type that matches how you’ll actually use your garden.
A little preparation before ordering can make installation smoother and give your new lawn a much stronger start.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your garden or which turf option is suitable, professional advice can help you avoid expensive mistakes.
For Cornwall homeowners, Laingscape can help with both preparation and professional turf installation, creating a fresh, practical lawn that’s ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order new turf?
Ideally, arrange delivery when your ground preparation is complete and you’re ready to lay it. Turf is a living product and should not be stored unnecessarily.
How much turf should I order?
Measure the lawn area in square metres and allow a small amount extra for trimming and awkward sections. Avoid ordering excessive quantities.
Should I remove my old lawn before laying turf?
Generally, new turf needs properly prepared ground. Existing grass and weeds should normally be removed before preparation and installation.
What should I do if my garden has poor drainage?
Identify where water collects and address the underlying drainage or grading issue before laying new turf. A professional assessment can be useful for persistent problems.
Can turf be laid all year round?
Turf can be installed during much of the year when ground and weather conditions are suitable. Very wet, frozen or excessively dry conditions can make installation more difficult.
What type of turf is best for a family garden?
A hard-wearing turf is often a sensible choice for gardens used regularly by children, pets and families. The exact option depends on the property’s conditions and intended use.
How quickly should turf be laid after delivery?
Turf should generally be laid as soon as reasonably possible after delivery. Avoid leaving rolls stacked for extended periods.
Do I need to prepare the soil before ordering turf?
Yes. Ideally, preparation should be planned before placing the order so the ground is ready when the turf arrives.
How soon can I walk on new turf?
Avoid unnecessary foot traffic while the turf is establishing. The exact timing depends on rooting, weather and lawn condition.
Can Laingscape prepare and lay my new turf?
Yes. Laingscape provides professional turf laying and wider garden preparation services across Cornwall. Contact the team on 07988 759149 for a free, no-obligation quotation.
