Turfing & New Lawns in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Fresh, High-Quality Turf Laid Across Gloucestershire
Professional Turfing & New Lawn Installation in Gloucester
Instant, Beautiful New Lawns Laid by Local Experts in Gloucester
A fresh lawn can transform your entire garden — giving you an instant, clean, green outdoor space that looks established from day one. Whether your old grass is patchy, waterlogged, weed-ridden or simply beyond saving, professionally laid turf is the fastest and most reliable way to get a healthy, even lawn. At SJS Landscaping & Gardening, we supply and install new turf across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and all surrounding areas throughout Gloucestershire, preparing the ground properly so your lawn roots quickly, grows evenly and stays healthy long-term.
The secret to a lawn that lasts isn’t the turf itself — it’s what goes underneath. On the heavy clay soil common across the Severn Vale around Gloucester, Churchdown and Tewkesbury, poor drainage is the main reason lawns fail — waterlogging kills roots and turns the surface muddy within a season. On the thin, stony Cotswold brash around Cirencester and Stroud, there’s often not enough topsoil depth for strong root establishment. We assess every garden individually and prepare the ground — adding topsoil, improving drainage, levelling and compacting — before a single roll of turf goes down.
We lay turf for everything from small front garden refreshes to full rear lawn replacements, new-build plots that need their first lawn, and large-scale turfing as part of a complete garden landscaping project. If you’d prefer a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, we also install artificial grass — and we’re happy to talk you through both options honestly so you can make the right choice for your garden.
Get a Free Turfing Quote
If you need new turf or a complete lawn replacement in Gloucester or across Gloucestershire, we’d be happy to help.
Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715 to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
Our Turfing Services in Gloucestershire
New Lawn Installation
We supply and lay high-quality, hard-wearing lawn turf — a blend of ryegrass and fescue that roots quickly, tolerates regular use and stays green through Gloucestershire's mild, wet climate. Every lawn is laid on properly prepared ground with correct levels, firm compaction and adequate topsoil depth (minimum 100mm, ideally 150mm) so the roots establish quickly and the surface stays even. We lay turf in straight, staggered rows with tight joints — no gaps, no overlaps, no shortcuts.
Ground Preparation & Levelling
This is the most important stage of any turfing project — and the step most DIY and budget installations get wrong. We strip the old turf, remove weeds, stones and debris, rotavate and break up the underlying soil, add fresh topsoil where the existing soil is poor or too shallow (common on both clay-heavy Severn Vale ground and thin Cotswold brash), rake to a fine, level tilth, and firm-compact the surface by treading and rolling before any turf is laid. Without this preparation, new turf sinks, develops hollows, pools water and fails to root properly.
Topsoil, Drainage & Complete Lawn Rebuilds
If your existing soil is compacted clay, too shallow, waterlogged, or full of rubble and builders' waste (common on new-build plots around Gloucester, Quedgeley and Brockworth), we can strip the area right back, improve drainage where needed, and rebuild the lawn base with fresh, screened topsoil to the correct depth. This creates a proper growing environment that gives the turf every chance of thriving — rather than struggling in unsuitable ground from day one.
Lawn Repairs & Patch Replacements
Not every lawn needs a full replacement. If you have localised bare patches, worn areas, dog-damage spots, or sections killed by waterlogging or shade, we can cut out the damaged turf, prepare the soil underneath, and lay fresh turf patches that blend in with the surrounding lawn. For best results, we match the turf variety to your existing grass as closely as possible and time the repair for autumn or spring when rooting conditions are ideal.
Full Lawn Replacement
When a lawn is beyond saving — compacted, waterlogged, more weeds than grass, or so uneven it can't be levelled by top-dressing alone — a full replacement is the most cost-effective solution. We strip the entire old lawn, prepare the ground from scratch (excavation, topsoil, levelling, compacting, drainage if needed), and lay brand-new turf for a completely fresh start. Many of our full lawn replacements are done as part of a wider garden landscaping project alongside patios, fencing, raised beds or decking.
How We Lay a New Lawn
Site Visit & Quote
We measure the lawn area, assess existing ground conditions (soil type, drainage, depth, levels), discuss any combined work (landscaping, patio, fencing), and provide a clear, itemised quote.
Strip Old Lawn & Clear
Existing turf, weeds, stones and debris are stripped and removed. On established lawns, we use a turf cutter for clean removal. All waste is taken off-site.
Soil Preparation
The exposed ground is rotavated, stones and roots removed, and the soil broken up to a fine tilth. On clay-heavy ground, we fork in sharp sand or grit to improve drainage. Where soil is too shallow or poor-quality, we import and spread fresh screened topsoil to a minimum depth of 100–150mm.
Levelling & Compaction
The prepared soil is raked level, checked with a straight edge, and firmed by treading and light rolling. This is critical — any hollows or soft spots left at this stage will show as dips in the finished lawn within weeks.
Pre-Turf Fertiliser
A starter fertiliser is raked into the top layer of soil before the turf goes down. This gives the new roots an immediate nutrient boost and helps the lawn establish faster.
Turf Laying
Fresh turf (delivered same day or day before — turf must be laid within 24–36 hours of harvest) is laid in straight, staggered rows with tight butted joints. Edges are trimmed neatly against paths, borders and patios. The surface is lightly rolled to press the turf into contact with the soil and eliminate air pockets.
First Watering & Handover
The new lawn is thoroughly soaked immediately after laying. We provide full aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up if the turfing is part of a larger project.
How to Look After Your New Lawn
Looking After Your New Lawn — Aftercare Guide
The first 2–4 weeks after laying are critical. Get the aftercare right and your lawn will root strongly and look great within a month. Get it wrong — mainly by under-watering — and the turf can dry out, shrink, and fail to establish.
Watering
Water your new lawn thoroughly every day for the first 2 weeks, ideally in the early morning or evening. In hot or dry weather, water twice a day. The soil underneath should be damp to at least 50mm depth — lift a corner of turf to check. After 2 weeks, reduce to every other day for another 2 weeks, then taper off as the roots establish. Gloucestershire's autumn and spring rainfall usually helps, but don't rely on it — check the soil.
Mowing
Don't mow until the turf has rooted and can't be lifted by pulling gently on the grass. This usually takes 2–3 weeks. For the first cut, set the mower high (50–70mm) and only take the top third off. Gradually lower the cutting height over subsequent mows.
Walking on it
Stay off the new lawn as much as possible for the first 2–3 weeks to allow the roots to knit into the soil. Avoid heavy foot traffic, furniture, pets and play until it's rooted firmly.
Feeding
The pre-turf fertiliser we apply covers the first few weeks. After 6–8 weeks, a general lawn feed will help the grass thicken and green up. Spring and autumn feeds are recommended going forward.
If you’d prefer not to manage the aftercare yourself, we offer ongoing garden maintenance visits that include lawn mowing, edging and seasonal care.
When Is the Best Time to Lay Turf?
When Is the Best Time to Lay Turf in Gloucestershire?
Autumn (September–November)
— the ideal time. The soil is still warm from summer, natural rainfall reduces watering effort, and the grass roots establish strongly before winter dormancy. Most of our turfing projects are scheduled for autumn.
Spring (March–May)
— the second-best option. Warming soil and longer days help establishment, but you may need to water more frequently if dry spells hit before the roots are fully down.
Summer (June–August)
possible but risky. Hot, dry conditions mean intensive daily watering is essential and turf is under stress from the start. We'd normally recommend waiting for autumn unless the turf is part of a time-sensitive landscaping project.
Winter (December–February)
— best avoided. Frozen or waterlogged ground prevents root establishment. However, ground preparation can be done through winter so the site is ready for turf as soon as spring arrives.
We schedule turfing around the best conditions for your garden and advise on timing during your free site visit.
Professional Turfing & New Lawn Installation in Gloucester
Why Choose Us for Turfing?
High-Quality, Hard-Wearing Turf
We use fresh, hard-wearing lawn turf (ryegrass/fescue blend) sourced from trusted suppliers and delivered within 24–36 hours of harvest. The turf is laid the same day it arrives — not left stacked on a pallet where it overheats and deteriorates. Fresh turf roots faster, greens up quicker and gives you a stronger, healthier lawn from day one.
Proper, Professional Groundwork
The ground preparation is what separates a lawn that lasts years from one that fails within months. We never skip the stripping, rotavating, levelling, topsoil or compaction stages — because turf laid on unprepared ground sinks, hollows, waterloggs and never roots properly. On Gloucestershire's clay-heavy Severn Vale ground, drainage preparation is especially critical.
Local, Reliable Team
We work across Gloucestershire every day and know the county's soil types, drainage challenges and growing conditions. Quick response, honest pricing, tidy workmanship. We turn up when we say we will and leave your garden clean.
Instant Garden Transformation
Unlike grass seed (which takes 6–12 weeks to establish and is vulnerable to weather, birds and washout), turf gives you a finished, green, usable lawn the day it's laid. Most turfing projects are completed in 1–2 days — your garden looks completely different by the time we leave.
Aftercare Advice Included
We don't just lay the turf and leave. We provide clear aftercare instructions (watering schedule, first mow timing, feeding) so you know exactly how to look after your new lawn during the critical first few weeks. We're also available by phone if you have any questions during the rooting period.
Part of a Bigger Project If Needed
Turfing is often the final step in a wider landscaping project. We can combine new turf with patios, fencing, raised beds, decking and gravel borders — all handled by one team in one coordinated project.
Get a Free Turfing Quote in Gloucestershire
Whether you need a full lawn replacement, a patch repair, new turf for a new-build garden, or turfing as part of a bigger landscaping project, we’d be happy to help. We cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and all surrounding areas in Gloucestershire.
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Turfing & New Lawns Across Gloucester & Gloucestershire
We lay new lawns right across the county — from new-build gardens in Gloucester, Quedgeley and Brockworth to established garden refreshes in Cheltenham, hillside lawns in the Stroud valleys, and Cotswold cottage gardens around Cirencester. Whatever your garden's size, soil or condition, we'll prepare the ground properly and give you a lawn that lasts.
- Gloucester
- Cheltenham
- Stroud
- Cirencester
- Tewkesbury
- Dursley
- Cinderford
- Cam
- Churchdown
- Stonehouse
- Quedgeley
- Bishops Cleeve
- Winchcombe
- Nailsworth
- Coleford
- Brockworth
- Longlevens
- Abbeydale
Turfing FAQs
If you’ve got questions about our services, the process or what to expect, the FAQs below should help – and if you need anything else, just give us a call.
New turf typically begins rooting within 7–10 days and is well established after 3–4 weeks — provided it's watered consistently during that period. You can check rooting progress by gently trying to lift a corner of turf — once it resists, the roots have knitted into the soil. The rooting period is faster in autumn and spring (ideal conditions) and slower in cooler or drier weather.
Wait until the turf has rooted firmly — usually 2–3 weeks after laying. Check by gently pulling the grass; if the turf doesn't lift, it's ready. For the first cut, set the mower high (50–70mm blade height) and only remove the top third of the grass. Use a sharp blade — a dull mower tears the grass and damages newly rooted turf. Gradually lower the cutting height over subsequent mows.
Yes — we always strip the old turf, weeds and debris before preparing the soil. Laying new turf on top of old grass is one of the most common DIY mistakes — the old layer prevents proper root contact with the soil, traps moisture, and causes the new turf to fail. We remove everything and start with clean, prepared ground.
Yes — in fact, correcting uneven ground is one of the main reasons people have new turf laid. We level, grade and compact the soil to create a smooth, even surface before laying. On sloping gardens (common around Stroud and the Cotswold hillsides), we can terrace or grade the lawn area so it's usable and drains properly, rather than just following the slope.
Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715, or fill out the form on this page. We'll arrange a free site visit, measure your lawn area, assess the soil and ground conditions, and provide a clear, itemised quote covering everything — stripping, preparation, topsoil (if needed), turf supply and laying. All quotes are free with no obligation.
A professionally laid lawn with full ground preparation, topsoil (if needed), turf supply and installation typically costs £10–£25 per square metre depending on soil condition, access and lawn size. A standard 50sqm rear lawn usually costs £500–£1,250 all-in. If the soil is in good condition and just needs a light preparation, costs are at the lower end. If significant topsoil, drainage work or excavation is needed, costs will be higher. We provide clear, itemised quotes after a free site visit.
Most turfing projects (up to 80–100sqm) are completed in 1–2 days — one day for ground preparation and one day for laying. Smaller lawns can often be done in a single day. Larger projects or those needing significant ground rebuilding may take 2–3 days. The lawn looks finished the moment the last roll is laid.
Thoroughly every day for the first 2 weeks — the soil underneath should be damp to at least 50mm depth. In hot weather, water morning and evening. After 2 weeks, reduce to every other day for another 2 weeks, then taper off as the roots establish. Under-watering is the single most common reason new turf fails. Lift a corner to check — if the soil underneath is dry, water more.
Autumn (September–November) is ideal — warm soil, natural rainfall, strong rooting before winter. Spring (March–May) is the second-best option. Summer is possible but needs intensive watering. Winter should be avoided as frozen or waterlogged ground prevents rooting. We schedule turfing around the best conditions for your garden.
Natural turf is cheaper to install (£10–£25/sqm vs £35–£80/sqm for artificial grass), looks and feels natural, supports wildlife and improves with age when well maintained. Artificial grass costs more upfront but requires zero mowing, watering or feeding and stays green year-round — ideal for shaded areas where real grass struggles, families with heavy garden use, or anyone wanting a completely maintenance-free lawn. We install both and advise honestly on which suits your garden.
Yes — but only with proper preparation. Clay holds water and compacts easily, which makes it hostile to grass roots without intervention. We break up the clay by rotavating, add sharp sand or grit to improve drainage, and import topsoil to create a layer of good growing medium on top. This is especially important across the Severn Vale around Gloucester, Churchdown and Tewkesbury where heavy clay is common.
Yes — and we do this regularly on new estates around Gloucester, Quedgeley, Brockworth and Bishops Cleeve. New-build gardens often come with poor-quality subsoil, compacted ground, buried builders' waste and very little topsoil. We clear the site properly, import quality topsoil, level and prepare the ground, and lay a lawn that actually grows — rather than the patchy, struggling turf that many new-build owners experience when developers rush the landscaping.
Yes — turfing is often the final step in a wider landscaping project. We frequently combine new lawns with patios, fencing, raised beds, decking and gravel borders. Everything is done by one team, coordinated so the turf goes down last (after all the heavy construction work is finished).