Turf Laying in Exeter
Professional turf laying services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£15-£25/sqm
Typical Duration
Day
Location
Exeter, Devon
We lay quality turf properly - ground prepared, turf delivered fresh, laid tight and level. Instant green lawn that establishes well. All prep and cleanup included.
More Than Just Unrolling Grass
Laying turf looks simple. Unroll it, job done. Except turf laid on poor ground, badly leveled, or with gaps everywhere fails within months. You end up with a patchy, lumpy mess that was a waste of money.
We prepare the ground properly first - that's where the work is. Level, firm, rake to a fine tilth, check drainage. Then turf gets laid tight (no gaps), joints staggered (like brickwork), rolled, and watered in. It establishes properly and gives you years of good lawn.
Ground Prep Is Everything
A lawn is only as good as what's underneath. We strip old turf if needed, level out bumps and hollows, improve soil if it's rubbish, create proper falls for drainage, and firm it all down. The final surface needs to be smooth, firm, and level before any turf goes down.
If your ground is terrible (solid clay, rubble, compacted), we'll tell you honestly. Sometimes you need topsoil bringing in. We don't lay turf on crap ground and hope for the best.
💡 Pro tip: Autumn is the best time to lay turf in Devon. Wetter weather helps it establish without constant watering, and it roots before summer stress hits.
| Done Right ✅ | Done Wrong ❌ |
|---|---|
| Ground leveled and firmed properly | Laid on lumpy, soft ground |
| Turf laid tight, no gaps | Gaps everywhere, dries and shrinks |
| Joints staggered like brickwork | All joints line up (they separate) |
| Watered in thoroughly | Left dry to fend for itself |
| Quality fresh turf | Cheap turf that's been rolled for days |
Why Choose Us for Turf Laying in Exeter?
Ground properly prepared first
Quality turf sourced and delivered
Laid tight with staggered joints
Aftercare advice for establishment
What to Expect
1. Site Assessment & Quote We measure the area, check ground condition, and discuss what prep is needed. Quote includes ground prep, turf supply and delivery, laying, rolling, watering, and cleanup. Per square meter pricing.
2. Ground Preparation We clear existing surface, level properly, add topsoil if needed, rake to fine finish, and firm down. This takes time but it's crucial. Area left perfect for turf laying.
3. Turf Delivery & Laying Fresh turf arrives (we time delivery for laying day), we lay it immediately - tight joints, staggered, trimmed to shape. Roll it, water it thoroughly, clean up. You've got an instant lawn.
4. Aftercare Instructions We explain watering schedule, when you can walk on it, first mowing, and how to establish it properly. Follow the instructions and your lawn will be great.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need
- 🔧 Spade and rake
- 🔧 Wheelbarrow
- 🔧 Garden roller (hire one)
- 🔧 Sharp knife for trimming
- 🔧 Plank to work from
Steps
- 📐 Clear area and strip old turf
- 📐 Level ground, remove stones, firm down
- 📐 Rake to fine tilth, final leveling
- 📐 Order turf for next-day delivery (lay immediately)
- 📐 Lay first row straight, work from plank on laid turf
- 📐 Stagger joints, lay tight, trim to shape
- 📐 Roll entire area, water thoroughly
Common Mistakes
- ⚠️ Not leveling properly - you'll see every bump and hollow once grass grows
- ⚠️ Laying on soft ground - it sinks and goes lumpy
- ⚠️ Leaving gaps between turves - they dry out and never join
- ⚠️ Not watering enough - turf dries out before rooting
- ⚠️ Storing turf rolled up for days - it goes yellow and dies
Pro Trick
💡 When leveling, get down on your hands and knees and look across the surface from ground level. You'll spot every lump and hollow that you'd miss standing up. Level ground = level lawn.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine with:
- Garden clearance (remove old lawn and tidy)
- Topsoil delivery and spreading
- Irrigation system installation
- Edging installation (define lawn area)
Related services:
- Rubbish removal (old turf disposal)
- Raised bed filling (gardens and lawns together)
- Fence repairs (do before turfing)
Seasonal advice:
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Best time. Cooler, wetter, establishes well.
- Spring (Mar-May): Good, but needs more watering.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Possible but high maintenance watering needed.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.
Aftercare essentials:
- Water daily (more in dry weather) for 2-3 weeks
- Keep off for 2-3 weeks minimum
- First mow when 5-6cm tall, just take the tips off
- Regular mowing after 6 weeks
- Feed in spring once established
Common turf types:
- Standard/General: Most common, fine for normal use
- Hard-wearing: Better for kids/dogs/heavy use
- Shade-tolerant: For darker areas under trees
- Ornamental: Finer, looks better, more maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you prepare the ground as well?
Yes, ground prep is crucial. We clear existing surface, level and grade properly, add topsoil if needed, firm it down, and rake to a fine tilth. Turf won't establish well on poor ground.
What type of turf do you use?
We source quality general-purpose turf suitable for Devon's climate. If you need specialist turf (hard-wearing, shade, ornamental), we can get that too - just costs a bit more. We'll advise based on your garden.
How long before I can walk on new turf?
Light walking after 2-3 weeks, normal use after 4-6 weeks once it's rooted properly. Kids and dogs need to stay off until it's established - we know that's hard but it makes the difference between a good lawn and a patchy mess.
Do I need to do anything after laying?
Yes - water it religiously for the first few weeks (daily in dry weather), keep off it, and give it a light first mow once it's rooted and growing. We provide full aftercare instructions.
Turf Laying Also Available In:
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