BERKSHIRE
PROFESSIONAL TURFING
Professional Turfing Services
A well-laid lawn changes a garden immediately. Turf delivers a finished lawn from the day it’s installed—dense, even, and usable within weeks.
25+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
1-2
DAYS INSTALLATION
150
MM TOPSOIL DEPTH
FITTED
SAME-DAY
FREE
QUOTES & SURVEYS
WHY CHOOSE US
Family-Run Excellence Since 2008
Urban Stone Developments provides a full turfing service across London, Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. We handle everything from initial clearance and ground preparation through to turf supply, installation, and aftercare guidance. Whether you’re replacing a tired lawn, starting from bare soil after building work, or laying a garden for the first time, the process is the same: thorough preparation, quality turf, and careful installation.
Family-Run Business
Experienced Installers
Premium UK Turf
Clear Guarantees
WHY PREPARATION MATTERS
Why the Preparation Matters More Than the Turf
Most failed lawns aren’t the result of bad turf. They’re the result of inadequate ground preparation. Turf laid on compacted, stony, poorly drained, or uneven soil will look acceptable for a few weeks and then deteriorate—developing hollows, dry patches, waterlogged areas, and weak root systems that make the grass vulnerable to drought, disease, and wear.
Professional turfing starts well before any turf arrives on site. The quality of what happens underneath determines whether the lawn thrives for years or struggles from the outset. This is the part of the job that separates a professional installation from a DIY attempt, and it’s where the majority of our time and effort is spent on every project.
OUR PROCESS
Our Professional Turfing Process
Refined over more than a decade to deliver lush, healthy lawns that thrive from day one.
01
Site Assessment
We visit first to assess existing ground conditions—soil type, drainage, sunlight exposure, access for materials, and any features affecting the layout.
02
Clearance
Existing turf, weeds, debris removed. Old lawn stripped with a turf cutter—not rotavated over. Stones, rubble, roots and waste cleared to clean subsoil.
03
Cultivation & Drainage
Ground rotavated to minimum 150mm depth. Sharp sand or grit incorporated on clay soils; organic matter on sandy soils. Drainage issues addressed before proceeding.
04
Topsoil & Levelling
Fresh screened topsoil imported as needed—minimum 100mm, ideally 150mm. Surface raked to fine tilth, levelled with appropriate drainage gradients, and pre-turf fertiliser applied.
05
Turf Supply & Laying
Fresh turf from established UK growers, delivered and laid same day in staggered brickwork pattern. Each roll butted tightly, joints staggered, firmed down for full root contact.
06
Watering & Aftercare
Thorough watering immediately after laying. Detailed aftercare instructions provided covering watering frequency, first mow timing, and managing the lawn through its first season.
CUSTOMER STORY
“Our old lawn was more moss than grass. The team stripped it, sorted the drainage, and laid fresh turf. Should have done it years ago—the difference is remarkable.”
— Janet S., Berkshire
TURFING VS SEEDING
Turfing vs Seeding — Which Is Right?
Professional Turfing
Turf produces a usable lawn in weeks rather than months. It suppresses weeds immediately because the dense grass coverage leaves no bare soil for weed seeds to colonise. It works on slopes where seed would wash away. It can be laid at almost any time of year (avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground and the driest weeks of summer). For the majority of residential gardens, turfing represents better value in practice. A seeded lawn that fails or establishes poorly often ends up being returfed anyway.
Seeding
Seeding is cheaper per square metre, and for very large areas or wildflower meadows it can be the right choice. However, seeding is largely restricted to spring and early autumn. The trade-off is cost—turf is more expensive than seed, significantly so for larger areas. But the speed, reliability, and immediate result mean that for most domestic gardens, turfing is the more practical option overall.
WHEN TO TURF & COSTS
When to Turf & What It Costs
Best Time to Turf
The optimal windows are mid-autumn (September to November) and early spring (March to April), when soil temperatures support root growth and natural rainfall reduces the need for constant watering. However, turf can be laid successfully throughout most of the year with appropriate aftercare.
What It Costs
Turfing costs depend on size, ground preparation required, topsoil import, access, and turf grade. We provide a written quotation after surveying the site. The quote covers everything—clearance, preparation, topsoil, turf supply, laying, and waste removal. There are no additional charges on the day.
Ongoing Maintenance
A newly laid lawn needs attention through its first season: regular watering during dry spells, careful first mowing, and a feed in spring or autumn. After the first year, a healthy lawn requires surprisingly little beyond regular mowing, an annual feed, and occasional aeration.
AFTERCARE GUIDE
Simple Care for a Thriving Lawn
The lawn is watered thoroughly immediately after laying—this is non-negotiable, even in cool weather. For the first two weeks, the turf needs consistent moisture to establish root contact with the soil below.
Water Daily for 2 Weeks
Consistent moisture establishes root contact with prepared soil
First Mow at 2-3 Weeks
Set mower on highest setting for the first cut
Feed in Spring or Autumn
Support establishment with seasonal fertiliser application
Annual Aeration
Keep soil healthy and promote strong root growth year after year
SERVICE AREAS
We Cover the South East & Beyond
We cover London, Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. Contact us to arrange a site visit if you’re in these areas or nearby.
London
Berkshire
Essex
Kent
Surrey
Hertfordshire
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a professional turfing installation take?
Most residential turfing installations are completed within 1–2 days for the laying itself, though ground preparation may add additional days depending on the condition of the existing ground. We’ll confirm timings during your free site survey.
When is the best time of year to lay turf?
The optimal windows are mid-autumn (September to November) and early spring (March to April). However, turf can be laid successfully throughout most of the year with appropriate aftercare. We avoid laying during hard frost, on waterlogged ground, or during prolonged drought.
How much does professional turfing cost?
Costs depend on the area size, extent of ground preparation, whether topsoil needs importing, access for materials, and the grade of turf selected. We provide a written quotation after surveying the site covering everything—clearance, preparation, topsoil, turf supply, laying, and waste removal. No additional charges on the day.
Should I choose turfing or seeding?
For most domestic gardens, turfing is the more practical option. Turf produces a usable lawn in weeks rather than months, suppresses weeds immediately, works on slopes, and can be laid almost any time of year. Seeding is cheaper per square metre but is restricted to spring and early autumn, and a seeded lawn that fails often ends up being returfed anyway.
How do I care for my new lawn after installation?
Water thoroughly and consistently for the first two weeks. Mow for the first time after two to three weeks on a high setting. Feed in spring or autumn to support establishment. After the first year, a healthy lawn on well-prepared ground requires surprisingly little beyond regular mowing, an annual feed, and occasional aeration.
Do you offer ongoing lawn maintenance services?
Yes. We can advise on a suitable maintenance routine for your specific lawn, and we offer ongoing maintenance services for customers who prefer professional care. Contact us for details.
Request A Free Quote
“The garden was bare clay after an extension. Urban Stone brought in topsoil, levelled the whole area, and laid the turf in a day. Six weeks on it looks like it’s been there for years. Really professional job.”
Chris and Helen P.
Surrey
A Beautiful Lawn Starts Here
If your garden needs a new lawn—or if the existing one is beyond recovery—get in touch. We’ll visit, assess the site, discuss what’s needed, and provide a clear written quotation. Serving homeowners across London, Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire since 2008.